“There’s a shelf in my closet that’s been guilting me for years.”
You might have one too — the spot where old laptops, half-charged phones, and mystery chargers go to die. Every time I clean, I move that pile from one side to another, promising myself I’ll “deal with it later.”
Well, it’s fall, and later has finally arrived. This weekend, I’m rolling up my sleeves and facing that stack of forgotten tech. And because I know I’m not the only one with a digital graveyard in the closet, I’m sharing exactly how I plan to safely dispose of it all — without accidentally handing over my business data to a stranger on Facebook Marketplace.
Let’s talk about how to say goodbye to your old devices the smart (and secure) way.
Why Old Devices Are a Hidden Cybersecurity Risk
We tend to think of old tech as harmless clutter — but every device in that pile still remembers things about you. Logins. Client files. Passwords saved in browsers. Copies of invoices or tax forms. Maybe even that one folder you swore you deleted (spoiler: you probably didn’t).
Even if a device is “dead,” the data inside might not be. Hard drives, SSDs, and even printers have memory that can be accessed or recovered. If you toss or sell without wiping, you’re basically giving away a slice of your business.
“Devices remember more than we think — even when we’ve long forgotten them.”
Step One: Sort Your Stack
Before you do anything fancy, figure out what you actually have.
Make three piles:
- Still working (and possibly worth money) — Sell, trade in, or repurpose.
- Working but outdated — Donate or recycle.
- Broken or won’t turn on — Recycle or destroy.
Then decide what to do with each.
Your options:
- Sell: Great for recouping value, but wipe data properly first.
- Trade-in: Safe with reputable programs (Apple, Best Buy, etc.).
- Donate: Meaningful, but ensure you’ve securely erased your info.
- Recycle: Good for the environment — look for certified e-waste centers.
- Destroy: Safest for sensitive drives (and mildly satisfying).
Pro Tip: Keep a mini “disposal log” noting the device type, serial number, and where it went. Business owners — that’s documentation you’ll thank yourself for later.
Step Two: Back Up What You Need
Before you start wiping or resetting, double-check for anything you might still need — business records, client notes, receipts, photos, or passwords.
Back up to an encrypted cloud account or password-protected external drive. Don’t skip encryption — it’s your safety net if that drive ever goes missing.
Step Three: Sign Out of Everything
Logging out is as important as wiping.
Before you reset:
- Log out of all accounts (Google, Apple ID, Slack, Zoom, Canva, etc.)
- Remove accounts from 2FA lists and password managers
- Deauthorize paid software licenses
If your business uses shared accounts, make sure that old device is no longer authorized. You don’t want an ex-employee’s tablet still syncing with your Dropbox six months later.
Step Four: Wipe It Like You Mean It
Phones & Tablets
- Backup → remove SIM/SD card → sign out → factory reset
- Use “secure erase” if available
- Confirm wipe completion before trading in
Laptops & Desktops
- Encrypt the drive (FileVault, BitLocker)
- Use a data-wiping tool like DBAN or Disk Utility’s “Erase” with overwrite
- Deauthorize installed apps
- Remove hard drives from dead machines and wipe separately
External Drives, USBs & Peripherals
- Reformat and overwrite
- Or destroy — a hammer works just fine
Printers, Routers & Smart Devices
- Reset to factory defaults
- Remove network passwords and stored scans
- Unlink from cloud or smart accounts
Remember: “Factory reset” ≠ “secure erase.” Always choose the wipe option that overwrites data.
Step Five: What If It Won’t Turn On?
If you can’t boot it up:
- Remove the hard drive or SSD — often still readable externally.
- Use an adapter to wipe it, or bring it to a local repair shop.
- If it’s beyond saving, destroy it: drill holes through platters or crush chips.
This is especially important for business data — because what can’t be erased must be destroyed.
Step Six: Business vs. Personal Devices
Don’t lump them together.
Personal:
Focus on photos, messages, and identity protection.
Business:
You’re responsible for customer and financial data.
Document your disposal process, confirm ownership, and wipe shared drives or accounts.
In other words: personal devices protect you — business devices protect everyone who trusts you.
Step Seven: Where to Get Rid of It Safely
Certified E-Waste Recyclers
Look for R2 or e-Stewards certification — your guarantee of responsible recycling.
Retailer Programs
Best Buy, Staples, Apple, and Dell all have reputable recycling and trade-in programs. (More below!)
Local Events
Check your city for e-waste collection days — perfect for dropping off multiple devices or old batteries.
⚠️ Avoid “pop-up” recyclers with no credentials — some resell parts or data.
💬 Quick Note Before You Recycle
If you’re wondering whether those “cash for your phone” kiosks or trade-in programs are actually safe, you’re not alone. I get this question all the time — especially from business owners who just want the tech gone but don’t want to risk handing their data to a stranger (or a machine at Walmart).
The good news? You’ve got options — from quick-and-easy kiosks to certified recyclers and brand trade-in programs that handle data the right way. Here’s what you need to know before you drop off your old tech for good.
📱 What About Those Phone Kiosks at Walmart (and Other Stores)?
If you’ve ever walked past one of those bright green kiosks that promise “cash for your old phone,” you’ve probably wondered: is that safe?
Short answer: mostly yes — if you prep your phone first.
Companies like ecoATM, found in many Walmarts, let you trade in old phones for instant cash. It’s fast and easy — but you are responsible for wiping your data first.
Before using a kiosk:
- Back up your data
- Remove SIM/SD cards
- Sign out of all accounts
- Perform a factory reset and secure wipe
- Charge it and bring ID
A kiosk is fine for old personal devices — not business phones. If it once held client or financial data, choose a certified trade-in or destruction service instead.
🔗 Trusted Trade-In & Disposal Programs
If you want extra assurance, try these reputable options:
- Apple Trade In: apple.com/shop/trade-in
- Best Buy Recycling: bestbuy.com/recycling
- Dell Reconnect: dell.com/recycling
- Staples Secure Recycling: staples.com/services/secure-recycling
- Carrier Trade-Ins: Check AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile for credits and verified wipes.
- Local E-Waste Centers: Look for R2 or e-Stewards certified facilities.
💡 If they can’t give you proof of data destruction, they don’t deserve your device.
Step Eight: The Device Disposal Checklist
- Make coffee
- Gather all devices
- Sort into sell/donate/recycle/destroy piles
- Back up what you need
- Log out of all accounts
- Securely wipe or destroy drives
- Drop off at certified recycler or trade-in site
- Celebrate your safer, decluttered life
Make It a Yearly Habit
Think of device disposal as digital self-care. Once a year, check what’s still in use and what needs to go.
This isn’t just decluttering — it’s protecting your business and peace of mind. Every old laptop you wipe, every drive you recycle, every phone you responsibly dispose of makes your business stronger.
So grab that screwdriver, plug in the coffee maker, and take control of your tech clutter.
Your closet (and your data) will thank you.
💌 Ready to Clear Out Your Digital Clutter for Good?
If this post inspired you to finally tackle that shelf (or drawer… or closet) full of forgotten gadgets, tell me about it! I love hearing decluttering victories — especially the cybersecurity kind.
For more practical, plain-English tips, subscribe to my free weekly newsletter, Phish & Tell. Every Friday, I share three cybersecurity news stories relevant to small businesses and actions you can take to make your business safer — no jargon, no panic, just smart habits that work.
