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: Apple explains that writing over data three times meets the Department of Energy’s standards, and writing over it seven times meets the Department of Defense’s requirements for erasing data. For added security, you can consider encrypting all of your sensitive files before deleting them. According to PC World, a data recovery program could potentially restore a file, but wouldn’t be able to decrypt it. To erase data from a cellphone, the EPA suggests deleting all information and following the manufacturer’s instructions for doing a factory hard reset. Then remove your phone’s SIM card and cut it in half. 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.