Old hard drives hold years of sensitive information, from client records to emails and saved passwords. Mobile hard drive shredding brings the shredder to your office, so your drives never leave the building until they are destroyed. This guide explains what happens when the Total Shred mobile unit visits.
Still deciding between wiping, degaussing and shredding? Read our guide to hard drive disposal options first.
Why destroy drives at your office?
- Your data stays on your premises. Drives are destroyed at your location, not carried across town first.
- You watch it happen. You can see each drive destroyed in real time.
- The trucks are filmed. Total Shred trucks carry extra security cameras, and footage can be played back if needed.
If you need a confidential hard drive shredding service for client, staff or patient data, this closes the gap between collection and destruction.
Deleting files or formatting a drive leaves data behind that recovery software can often find. Physical destruction leaves nothing to recover. It also gives you a clear data security record: UK GDPR expects personal data to stay protected until it is destroyed, and your certificate shows exactly when that happened.
What we can destroy
- Hard drives and SSDs from desktops and laptops
- External drives and USB devices
- Backup tapes and other storage media
- Servers and RAID drives
- Mobile phones
Laptop shredding without the screwdriver
You do not have to take drives out first. Whole laptops and PC towers can be destroyed, which saves your IT team a fiddly job. If your laptops still work and you would rather reuse or recycle them, see our guide to computer and laptop recycling.
What happens on the day
- Book the visit. Tell us roughly how many devices you have and what type. Prices start from £5 per device, with bulk pricing on request.
- Get your list ready. Note the devices and their serial numbers. The serial numbers appear on your Certificate of Destruction, so you can match the two.
- The mobile unit arrives. A Total Shred team brings the shredding unit to your location.
- Your drives are destroyed. Each device is shredded or crushed beyond recovery while you watch.
- You get your proof. You receive a Certificate of Destruction with serial numbers and a full audit trail. Photo or video evidence is available on request.
- The rest is recycled. Remaining materials are recycled under the WEEE Regulations.
When off-site makes more sense
For large batches you do not need to watch, offsite hard drive destruction can suit better. Devices go into sealed, tamper-proof containers and travel to a certified shredding facility. Our hard drive destruction service covers both options.
Book mobile hard drive shredding
Total Shred offers nationwide UK coverage from its head office at Devonshire House, Honeypot Lane, Stanmore. Call 0800 298 4009 or request a quote online. Shredding paper as well? See our guide to on-site paper shredding.
FAQ
Do my hard drives ever leave the building?
Not with mobile hard drive shredding. The Total Shred shredding unit comes to your location, and your drives are destroyed there, so the data never leaves your premises.
Can I get photo or video proof of destruction?
Yes. Photo or video evidence is available on request, alongside your Certificate of Destruction. Our trucks also carry security cameras, and footage can be played back if needed.
How much does mobile hard drive shredding cost?
Prices start from £5 per device. If you have a large number of drives, ask us for bulk pricing.
Can you shred a laptop without removing the hard drive?
Yes. Whole laptops and PC towers can be destroyed, so your IT team does not need to take the drives out first.
Will my drives’ serial numbers appear on the certificate?
Yes. Your Certificate of Destruction lists serial numbers and comes with a full audit trail, so you can match it against your asset register.
Is mobile hard drive shredding available outside London?
Yes. Total Shred offers nationwide UK coverage from its head office in Stanmore.