An SSD in a retired laptop or server may be reusable, or your policy may require it to be destroyed. The right choice starts with the destination of the hardware and the evidence your organisation needs.
When the drive will not be reused
Physical destruction is an option for an SSD that is to be removed permanently from use. Agree what part of the device is being destroyed: the entire laptop, the removable SSD, or an embedded storage component. Your inventory should distinguish the equipment from the data-bearing media so that nothing is overlooked.
If your team needs to witness the work or receive an itemised record, ask about those requirements before booking. Our SSD destruction page explains what details to provide for a quote.
When reuse is intended
Data erasure aims to prepare suitable storage for reuse without destroying the hardware. The process must fit the drive and be checked against the agreed outcome. A quick format or ordinary file deletion does not by itself demonstrate that the data was addressed. Ask what verification and record are available for each successfully processed asset.
Plan an exception route. A damaged, inaccessible or failed SSD may not complete the chosen erasure process. It should be kept in your inventory and handled separately, rather than being recorded as successfully erased. See data erasure for reusable equipment.
What about degaussing?
Degaussing is for appropriate magnetic storage, not flash-based SSDs. Do not substitute a magnetic-media method for an SSD without checking the technology. For mixed collections, identify HDDs, SSDs, tapes and USB storage separately.
Five questions before you book
- What media types and quantities are in the batch?
- Will any drives or devices be reused?
- What should happen to failed or inaccessible drives?
- Do you require an itemised, witnessed or other specific record?
- Where is the equipment, and how can it be accessed?
These questions help us discuss a workable service for your location. Send your inventory for a quote.
Further reading: NIST SP 800-88 Revision 2, Guidelines for Media Sanitization.
Planning a data clearance?
Send your material, quantity and postcode, along with the records your organisation needs. We will confirm the available options for your job.