Windows 10 end of life

How to safely dispose of old devices before recycling them

With Windows 10 reaching end-of-life soon, some users are upgrading hardware that won’t meet Windows 11 requirements.
The next question is simple: what should you do with the old device?

While we partner with certified e-waste recyclers and wipe all client hardware before recycling,
individual users don’t always take the same precautions.

Before you toss that device in a drawer or give it away, here’s how to safely dispose of old devices and protect your information.

Safely dispose old devices: quick 5-step checklist

1. Back it up. Save anything you still need—photos, documents, the works.
2. Sign out of accounts. Remove Google, Apple, Microsoft, and other profiles. Log out of browsers tied to those accounts.
3. Factory reset.
   1. iPhone/iPad: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings
   2. Android: Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data
   3. Windows: Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Reset this PC → Remove everything (clean the drive)
   4. Mac: Use Disk Utility to erase, then reinstall macOS
4. Wipe USBs and external drives. Use secure erase tools (DBAN for HDDs, manufacturer tools for SSDs).
5. Physically destroy (if needed). Drill, crush, or shred hard drives, SIM cards, and USBs if they held sensitive data.

Why it matters

You might think, “Who would want my old stuff?” But to threat actors, old devices can be treasure chests of PII
(personally identifiable information).

Without proper precautions, attackers can recover:

• Saved passwords and logins
• Banking information
• Personal photos, emails, and browser history
• Sensitive work documents

For businesses, this can mean breaches, regulatory fines, and reputational damage.

What devices need to be wiped?

Any device that stores data should be wiped before recycling, including:

• Computers, laptops, hard drives, SSDs
• Phones, tablets, smartwatches
• Routers, printers, smart home devices
• USB drives, SD cards, CDs/DVDs

Even printers and routers often retain sensitive information.

Step-by-step: safe disposal by device type

• Computers & Laptops: Use built-in reset tools for a deep clean. For added security, overwrite drives using DBAN (HDDs) or manufacturer utilities (SSDs).
• Phones & Tablets: Encrypt first (modern devices usually do this by default), factory reset, then remove SIM and SD cards.
• External Drives & USBs: Use secure erase software. For high-security environments, physically destroy the storage chip.
• Printers, Routers, and IoT Devices: Perform a factory reset and remove any linked accounts.

When to go full “Office Space”

If the device stored business data, medical records, or other highly sensitive information, physical destruction is
the safest option. Shred, crush, or drill the storage device to ensure the chip is destroyed.

Recycle e-waste responsibly

After wiping or destroying your device, recycle it at a certified facility. Look for R2 or e-Stewards certification
to ensure your old tech doesn’t create environmental harm.

Bonus: smart habits for next time

• Document your disposal process (especially for compliance purposes).
• Use professional data destruction services for large jobs.
• Stay current on cybersecurity best practices.