Title: How to Remove Data from Electronics Before Recycling | Earth911
Headings: How to Remove Data from Electronics Before Recycling
How to Remove Data from Electronics Before Recycling
By Kathryn Sukalich
Back Up Your Data
Use a Data Erasing Program
If You’re Still Concerned, Consider Physical Destruction
Recycle or Donate

Content: With any of your electronic devices, if you’d rather not deal with the erasing process on your own, seek out a technology professional. Physically damaging the portion of your device that stores data will prevent anyone from accessing it. Photo: Shutterstock
If You’re Still Concerned, Consider Physical Destruction
Overwriting the data on your computer or device will most likely keep anyone from getting at your personal information. Lifehacker points out, though, that a person with proper training, time and money could still potentially retrieve your data. This scenario is very unlikely, but if you’re concerned — and you don’t plan to donate the device for reuse — consider damaging the device or its hard drive yourself. Be careful if you plan to hit a hard drive with a hammer or drill through it. Once you’ve done this, you can take the drive to your local e-waste recycling center. Recycle or Donate
Once you’ve erased the information from your device or physically damaged it so it’s unusable, find an electronic waste recycler in your area. You can learn more about recycling computers, cellphones and other electronics here at Earth911.