Trusting Recycle-IT! with your old tech
1. Is it safe to donate my old tech to you?
Yes — absolutely. Every piece of tech we receive is data wiped to UK standards using certified processes. Whether it’s a phone, laptop or server, we use secure data destruction methods that meet ADISA and NCSC guidelines, ensuring no personal or business data is ever recoverable.
2. What happens to my device after I donate it?
Your device goes through our ethical tech recycling process:
- Checked and tagged at our secure facility
- Fully data wiped
- Repaired, refurbished or broken down for parts
- Reused by someone in need or recycled responsibly
You’ll be helping reduce e-waste and supporting our mission to close the digital divide.
3. Do you provide a certificate or record of recycling?
Yes, we do. Businesses and organisations receive a certificate of data destruction and a recycling report upon request. It’s part of our commitment to transparency, security, and compliance.
Data Destruction & Certification
What is data destruction, and why is it important?
Data destruction is the process of permanently erasing data from storage devices to prevent unauthorized access or data breaches.
This is crucial when disposing of, recycling, or repurposing devices like hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, or DVRs. Proper data destruction ensures compliance with data protection regulations and safeguards sensitive information.
How does Recycle-IT! ensure secure data destruction?
At Recycle-IT!, we utilize industry-leading tools like Active@ KillDisk to perform secure data erasure. This software supports over 20 international data sanitization standards, including:- **U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) 5220.22-M**- **NIST 800-88**- **British HMG Infosec Standard 5 (IS5)**- **Canadian CSEC ITSG-06**- **German VSITR**- **Russian GOST P50739-95
These standards involve multiple overwriting passes with specific patterns and verification steps to ensure data is irrecoverable. For instance, the DoD 5220.22-M standard overwrites data three times: once with zeros, once with ones, and once with random characters, followed by verification citeturn0search4.
Do you provide a certificate of data destruction
Yes, upon completion of the data destruction process, we issue a digitally signed PDF certificate detailing:- Device information (model, serial number)- Erasure method used- Date and time of erasure- Technician details- Verification results
This certificate serves as proof of compliance with data protection standards.
Is your data destruction process compliant with legal and industry standards?
Absolutely. Our data destruction methods align with various legal and industry standards, ensuring compliance with:- **General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)**- **Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)**- **Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)**By adhering to these standards, we help organizations mitigate risks associated with data breaches and non-compliance penalties.
Can you handle large volumes of devices?
Yes, our infrastructure supports the simultaneous erasure of multiple devices. Utilizing KillDisk’s industrial solutions, we can process up to 25 drives in parallel, making us equipped to handle bulk data destruction needs efficiently.
What types of devices can you securely erase
We can securely erase data from a wide range of storage devices, including:-
Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)- Solid State Drives (SSDs)- USB flash drives- SD cards- DVRs and other media storage devices Our methods are effective across various interfaces and storage capacities.
How can I verify that data has been completely destroyed
Our process includes a verification step where the software confirms that all data has been successfully overwritten according to the selected standard. The verification percentage can be adjusted based on your requirements, with higher percentages offering more thorough validation.
Where can I learn more about your data destruction services?
Google or search online for killdisk eraser.
4. What tech do you accept?
We accept a wide range of items, including:
- Laptops, desktops, monitors
- Mobile phones and tablets
- Servers and networking equipment
- Cables, peripherals, and accessories
Not sure if we’ll take something? Just drop us a message or call — we’ll do our best to help.
5. Can individuals donate too, or is it just for businesses?
We welcome donations from both businesses and individuals. Whether you’re clearing out a cupboard at home or an office floor, every donation helps someone get access to affordable tech — and keeps useful kit out of landfill.
6. Do you collect items, or do I need to drop them off?
We offer free collection for bulk donations from businesses, schools, and public sector organisations. If you’re an individual, we’re happy to arrange a drop-off or help direct you to the nearest donation point. Just get in touch!
7. Are you fully licensed and compliant?
Yes — we are a registered waste carrier, fully licensed, and insured. Our ethical recycling approach goes beyond compliance to actively support the circular economy and digital inclusion. We’re based in Bolton and proud to be a local social enterprise you can trust.
T11 Repair or refurbishment of waste electrical and electronic equipment under waste exemption. EXP/XP3846YC.
Upper-tier waste carrier, broker and dealer. CBDU407160
8. Who do you work with?
We work with:
- Local authorities
- Schools and colleges
- Charities and voluntary organisations
- Businesses across Greater Manchester
We’re always open to new partnerships — if you’re interested in working with us, we’d love to hear from you.
9. What’s the impact of donating my tech?
Your old device could:
- Power a student’s learning
- Help someone apply for work
- Prevent e-waste from going to landfill
Every donation makes a difference — to people, the planet, and your local community.
10. Still got questions?
We’re always happy to chat.
📩 Contact us or give us a call on 01204 356996.
Donate your tech with confidence.
Recycle-IT! makes it secure, simple and impactful.