Electronic waste is a very serious problem. To mitigate it somehow, try recycling your computer's hard drive. Be sure to erase all personal data from your hard drive before discarding it. Remove the hard drive from the case, disassemble it and dispose of all aluminum or send the drive to the manufacturer for recycling.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: How to delete data from the disk
Step 1. Use a program to erase data from your hard drive
Be sure to erase all personal data before discarding your hard drive. This can be done using data erasure programs. Just download (or buy) a suitable program, install it, and follow the directions to erase information from the disk. Here are some examples of programs you can use:
- СCleaner;
- Wise Disk Cleaner;
- ErAce.
Step 2. Destroy the hard drive
If you are sure that the hard drive is defective, destroy it. This way, no one else will be able to access your personal information. A hard drive can be destroyed in several ways:
- drill holes in it;
- break the disc with a hammer;
- magnetize the disc.
Step 3. Contact a Windows Certified Repair Center
If you have a Windows-based computer, find a certified repair center that will erase all data from the disk for a small fee. Go to https://devicepartner.microsoft.com/en-RU/ and find the nearest service center. Also, to find out where the nearest service center is located, you can call +7 (495) 916-71-71 (Microsoft support - for calls from Moscow) and 8 (800) 200-80-01 (toll free number for calls From Russia)
- Some service centers may provide you with a shipping label free of charge.
- Return the disk for recycling or ask the center staff to erase the data from the disk for you (most likely, you will have to pay for this).
Step 4. Send your hard drive to an Apple recycling center if you have a Mac
To recycle your device, do the following: Back up your data, erase all data from your hard drive, and then send it.
Contact Apple by following this link https://www.apple.com/en/recycling/ and ask them for a shipping label
Method 2 of 3: Send the hard drive to the manufacturer
Step 1. Find out the conditions for returning a hard drive of a particular brand
If you do not want to disassemble the hard drive yourself, send it directly to the manufacturer for recycling. Send either the whole computer or just the hard drive. First, inquire about the return policy for your computer model.
- Apple provides a free shipping label.
- IBM will not erase your data or provide a shipping label, but it will accept your old computer for recycling.
- Dell provides a shipping label. In some centers, the computer can be donated to charity.
Step 2. Request a shipping label
If you do business with a company that provided you with free transportation of equipment, contact that company (by phone or online) and ask them for a prepaid shipping label. Print it out.
Step 3. Submit the hard drive
Pack the disc you removed and take the package to the post office.
- Pack the hard drive in bubble wrap (or other material) to prevent damage in transit.
- If you receive a shipping label, be sure to attach it to the package. Also, ship the hard drive from the post office indicated on the shipping label.
- If you have not received a shipping label, you will have to pay for postage. Do not forget to take with you the delivery address (you can find it on the manufacturer's website).
Method 3 of 3: Recycling Aluminum
Step 1. Unscrew the first set of screws
Turn the hard drive upside down and remove the six visible screws with an 8x60 Torx screwdriver. At least one screw will be hidden under the sticker. Use your fingers to feel the notch under the label, then use a utility knife to remove it to gain access to the screw.
Step 2. Unscrew the following screws and cut the seal
Flip the drive over and remove the screws that secure the controller board to the drive. Use a utility knife to cut the seal that runs along the entire drive on all four sides.
Step 3. Remove the cover from the drive and remove the screws
Open the drive cover carefully and set it aside. Unscrew all visible screws and set them aside as well.
Step 4. Remove the magnets and the read / write drive head
Use a flat screwdriver to unscrew the first rare earth magnet. Then use the same screwdriver to unscrew the read / write head and remove it. Then remove the second magnet as well.
Leave these magnets with you for reuse
Step 5. Remove the data disc
Use a 7x60 Torx screwdriver to remove the round plate that holds the data disc. Remove the retaining ring and data disc. Save or destroy the disk.
Step 6. Remove the motor and the remaining magnets
Use an 8x60 Torx screwdriver to remove the drive motor. Now that the hard drive is completely disassembled, remove the remaining two magnets.
Step 7. Dispose of aluminum
Except for the motor itself, all the remaining parts are made of aluminum. On average, a hard drive is made up of 680 grams of recycled aluminum. Take the parts to an aluminum recycling center.