Computer disposal and digital data destruction

The Physics department uses the University’s standard contract for disposal of computing devices and destruction of data assets (e.g. hard drives and SSDs). The contract is with Restore Technology and is separate from the standard WEE collections.

Summary of Process

Restore will check all devices that may contain data and carry out data sanitisation on them. The initial step would be to do this using software and if not possible, then physical destruction. In line with the University’s environmental policy and our contract with Restore, devices should be left intact where possible, i.e. leaving the HDD/SSD in situ, to reduce the amount of waste. The wiping process is certified to NCSC standards For specific high security scenarios, we can specify mechanical destruction.

With every collection a document detailing all the asset information collected and processed is provided, including: asset type, serial number, UOC asset tag, make, model, spec, hard drive serial number.

Once processed, we are provided with a document showing all the assets that were wiped using software and the result. Additionally is it possible to obtain individual certificates per hard drive.

Hard drives which have been removed from devices are generally shredded. Where there is a large volume of HDDs/SSDs we can arrange onsite destruction. The serial number prior will be captured prior to destruction and shredded to 20mm as standard. Smaller particle size can be specified at additional cost.

Contract details are included in the attached documents