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ITAD Glossary
What is hard drive shredding?
Hard drive shredding physically destroys storage drives by cutting them into small fragments so their data cannot be recovered. It is a destroy method under NIST SP 800-88, used when a drive cannot be erased, has failed, or holds data too sensitive to risk reuse.
Hard drive shredding
Why it matters for IT and security teams
Shredding is the final option for failed drives and the highest-risk data. It also ends any resale value, so most programs erase first and shred only what they must.
Hard drive shredding
How it works
- Drive serial numbers are recorded before destruction.
- An industrial shredder reduces drives to fragments. SSDs need smaller fragments than hard disks because their memory chips are small.
- A certificate of destruction lists each destroyed drive.
- Shredded material goes to metals recovery and recycling.
Hard drive shredding
How HOBI handles it
HOBI shreds drives on-site at the client’s location or at its own facilities. Each drive is recorded by serial number and listed on HOBI’s Certificate of Destruction.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does shredding work on SSDs?
Yes, if the fragments are small enough to destroy the memory chips. Ask your provider what shred size it uses for SSDs.
Should I shred on-site or off-site?
On-site removes transport risk; off-site usually costs less at volume. See on-site vs off-site data destruction.
What happens to shredded drives?
The fragments are sent for metals recovery and recycling.
Keep learning
Related terms and services
Need help retiring IT equipment?
Talk to HOBI about secure data destruction, value recovery and certified recycling, or call 877-814-2620.