HDD and Tapes

Considerations for HDDs and Tapes.

HDDs and Tapes Drives have been around for decades. HDDs rely on spinning magnetic disks (platters) to store data. A read/write Head accesses data by reading or writing magnetic patterns on these platters.

While they are slower than SSDs, they remain common in older computers and are still widely used in Enterprise Data Centres in Servers and Storage Arrays. HDDs are very robust and are available in 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch dimensions. A 3.5-inch Disk Drive weights approximately 0.6 of a Kilogram so requires and immense force to cut the case and the Platters it into pieces.

Tape drives use a magnetic ribbon between two spindles to hold the data. Tapes are less robust than HDD drives as they have plastic cases so are easier to shred.

Speak to us about HDD and Tape Shredding

Complete Peace of Mind

  • Different Shredding options depending on your needs and budget
  • In-house designed, bespoke made, state-of-the-art shredders – able to access smaller sites
  • At your facility or off-site at our Secure Facilities
  • HDDs typically shredded from 20mm down to 6mm particulate
  • Tapes shredded to 19mm strip cut
  • Options available for other media types, DATs, CD’s, mobile devices
  • Equipment Asset listed and Certificates of Destruction provided

Tailored Solutions

Our tailored solutions can be delivered at your location or we can securely collect your data bearing HDDs and Tapes and transport them back to our facilities.

Advanced Data Destruction Techniques. Our shredders are in-house designed, bespoke manufactured based on our many years of experience and are the only ones that ADISA (ITAD Industry body) have certified for shredding down to 2mm particulate, the recommendation for SSDs.

Our shredding process is designed to meet internationally recognised standards, including those set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of Defence (DoD). We ensure that are clients adhere to all laws and regulations such as the GDPR, HIPAA, and the UK Data Protection Act.

Secure ITAD provides our clients with Certificates of Destruction, which provides an audit trail and serves as proof of Compliance during audits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are my HDD and Tape shredding options?

Options are available for all requirements and budgets. HDDs can be shredded from 20mm down to 6 mm, either at your site or back at our secure facilities. Tapes are usual shredded to 19mm strip cut.

How does HDD shredding differ from SSD shredding?

HDDs (Hard disk drives) have rotating platters on which the data is stored. Shredding these down to 19mm or smaller will mean that the particulates cannot be put back together so data retrieval is not possible. SSDs (Static State Drives) do not have moving platters. Instead, the data resides on small NAND chips so we recommend shredding SSDs down to 2mm particulates.

All the residue from the shredding will be sent to our downstream partners for ethical recycling. The residue will be smelted down and any recyclable materials will be extracted and reused.