GDPR in the IT industry: How to Dispose of Old Devices Safely and Sustainably

Data privacy and security are critical in the IT industry, where organizations manage vast amounts of sensitive information.

bySEO GOMO/19 February, 2025/inBlogs

Data privacy and security are critical in the IT industry, where organizations manage vast amounts of sensitive information. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets strict standards to ensure personal data is protected throughout its lifecycle. For IT businesses, compliance is essential not only to avoid penalties but also to demonstrate a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.

A sometimes overlooked part of GDPR-compliance in the IT industry involves the proper handling and disposal of outdated or decommissioned devices. Ensuring these devices are securely wiped or destroyed prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data, safeguards personal information, and aligns with GDPR requirements. Continue reading to learn more about GDPR recycling, reuse, and destruction, the importance of GDPR compliance, and how we at Remade can help you dispose of old devices sustainably and securely.

The Importance of GDPR Compliance

GDPR compliance is more than a legal obligation – it reflects an organization’s commitment to protecting personal data and fostering trust. In the IT industry, where data is the backbone of operations, ensuring compliance is critical for maintaining security, accountability, and ethical practices. GDPR provides a comprehensive framework to prevent data breaches and misuse, ensuring personal information is processed lawfully and securely at all stages.

Old equipment, if not handled carefully, can become a major data security risk. Devices often retain sensitive data, even after being decommissioned, which could lead to unauthorized access or breaches if not adequately erased or destroyed. Proper disposal is not just a best practice; it’s a requirement under GDPR to minimize risks related to data retention.

Moreover, GDPR compliance helps organizations build credibility. Customers and stakeholders value companies that prioritize privacy and data protection. Compliance also mitigates financial risks associated with fines and legal disputes, providing long-term operational stability. In an era where data breaches dominate headlines, GDPR-compliant processes, such as secure device handling, ensures businesses can operate responsibly while upholding consumer trust.

How to Ensure GDPR Compliance for Old IT Devices

Audit and inventory

What to do: List all old IT devices and identify those containing personal data.
Why it matters: Prevents overlooked data that could lead to GDPR breaches.

Erase data securely

What to do: Use certified data-wiping tools or physically destroy storage devices.
Why it matters: Ensures personal data is irretrievable, reducing breach risks.

Choose compliant vendors

What to do: Select certified destruction/recycling vendors and obtain proof of compliance.
Why it matters: Protects your organization from liability if personal data is mishandled.

Destroy un-wipeable devices

What to do: Physically destroy devices where secure erasure is not possible.
Why it matters: Prevents residual data from being accessed or misused.

Document the process

What to do: Keep records of devices processed, methods used, and vendor certifications.
Why it matters: Demonstrates compliance during audits or investigations.

GDPR Recycling, Reuse, and Destruction with Remade

The importance of GDPR in the IT industry cannot be overstated. It sets a framework for transparent, secure, and accountable data processing. Disposing of IT devices without proper precautions can expose sensitive data, violating standards of GDPR.

At Remade we work according to our own process we call the “Remade Secure Process” – a process for efficient logistics, secure handling, and safe data deletion that meets the requirements of GDPR for recycling, reuse, and destruction of old IT devices. This involves:

Transporting: Your equipment is transported in locked safety cabinets to our facility.

Data erasure: Before the IT devices are recycled or reused, every single product is registered, de-identified, and erased (hard drives and storage media) using a NATO approved data erasure software. You get a wiping GDPR certificate as proof that the information has been properly reduced – read more about this certificate below.
Physical destruction: For storage media that can’t be wiped, we can perform certified destruction services (shredding/fragmentation) – where you receive a destruction certificate to confirm that the storage media have been properly disposed of.

Receive a GDPR Certificate for Your Devices from Remade

One of the key benefits of our GDPR-compliant IT asset management is receiving a GDPR certificate, which we provide as part of our services. This certification serves as proof that your IT assets have been processed securely and in line with GDPR in the IT industry. The erasure of hard drives and other storage media is performed using software from Blancco, which meets the requirements of leading data erasure standards and is approved by organizations like the Swedish Armed Forces and NATO. We are also certified according to ISO 27001 – ensuring we maintain the highest standards in information security. Our systematic approach protects sensitive information, minimizes risks, and ensures compliance with both internal and external data security requirements.

Does your company have any old IT equipment that is not being used? Get in touch with us today and ensure it is disposed of in a safe and sustainable way.

FAQ

Why is information security important under GDPR?

Information security is crucial under GDPR because it ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personal data. GDPR requires organizations to implement technical and organizational measures to prevent data breaches, unauthorized access, and misuse. Failure to secure data can lead to heavy fines, legal action, and reputational damage, emphasizing its importance.

How do I become GDPR compliant?

To achieve GDPR compliance, map out the personal data you collect and process, ensure you have a lawful basis for processing, and implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard the data. Train staff on GDPR principles, update privacy policies and establish processes to handle data subject rights, such as access, rectification, and deletion. Regularly review and audit your practices to maintain compliance.

How does GDPR impact the tech industry?

GDPR reshapes how the tech industry handles data by requiring stricter data protection measures, explicit user consent for data collection, and enhanced transparency. It promotes data privacy by design, meaning products and services must integrate data protection principles from the start. Non-compliance risks fines and limits global operations if companies fail to meet GDPR standards. This has driven innovation in privacy-centric solutions and practices across the industry.

How to check GDPR compliance?

The European Union has created their own GDPR checklist for data controllers you can find here. It helps you check if you are ready for GDPR, to ensure you secure your organization, protect your customer’s data, and avoid costly fines for non-compliance.