Hard Drive Degaussing

Degaussing uses a strong magnetic field to disrupt data recorded on compatible magnetic media. It does not sanitize SSDs, NVMe drives, flash memory, or optical discs. The equipment must be suitable for the specific media, and degaussed hard drives should not be planned for reuse.

Yes. Liberty E-Waste offers hard drive degaussing for customers in Washington and Idaho. Share your inventory, address, and desired outcome for a project-specific quote and confirmed arrangements.

Compatible magnetic hard disk drives and magnetic backup media, subject to media and equipment compatibility review. Separate SSDs, hybrid drives, flash devices, and optical media.

No. SSDs, NVMe drives, USB flash devices, and other flash storage are not sanitized by degaussing. Identify these devices separately so an appropriate sanitization or destruction method can be selected.

Do not plan to reuse a degaussed hard drive. The process can damage the information needed for it to operate. If reuse is your goal, ask about secure wiping for an eligible working drive instead.

No. Degaussing applies a magnetic field to compatible media; shredding physically breaks up the device. Your media type and required outcome determine which method, or combination, belongs in the project.

Provide the exact media type and model for compatibility review. A failed magnetic HDD or a tape may be considered for degaussing only when the equipment and process are suitable; failure to operate is not proof that data is gone.

No. NIST publishes media-sanitization guidance; it does not certify Liberty’s service. Degaussing is not the same as physical destruction, and suitability depends on the specific magnetic media and the processing equipment.

Discuss pickup at your site or intake through a Liberty location in Lynnwood, Tacoma, or Meridian. Confirm the equipment, quantity, access, acceptance, and processing arrangements before transporting a load. A city service page is not a separate storefront.

Yes. Tell Liberty which devices still contain storage and whether your team will remove any drives first. Keep a separate list of media retained by your organization so the processing scope and Certificate of Destruction reflect the equipment released.

No. Degaussing and wiping are currently off-site services. Liberty offers mobile on-site hard drive shredding as a separate destruction option. Identify your required method and location before equipment is released.

Liberty offers tracked and non-tracked pricing options. Tracking costs more because it adds tracking and reporting work. Choose the level of item identification and reporting you need when requesting the quote; confirm serial-number and asset-tag requirements before release.

Yes. Liberty provides a Certificate of Destruction listing the processed items. The item identification and reporting detail should match the tracked or non-tracked option selected in your quote. For wiping, confirm how the method, results, and any exceptions will be recorded.

Pricing depends on equipment and drive counts, the chosen data method, removal labor, access, transport, tracking, and reporting. Send an inventory and photos of the equipment and access route for a project-specific estimate; no fixed minimum or per-drive price is implied here.

List the media manufacturer, model, type, quantity, and any handling restrictions. Keep magnetic media separate from SSDs and other non-magnetic storage. Approve backups and release before processing.

Tell Liberty which policy, contract, sanitization outcome, and evidence your organization requires. Agree on the media-specific method and documentation before release. Choosing a recycling service alone does not establish compliance or authorize disposal of records under a hold.