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• Learn about secure data disposal

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• Information Security

Secure data/device disposal

Secure device and media disposal is generally provided free of charge to Medical Center affiliates.  (There are charges for extremely large volumes, as detailed below.)  You are responsible for secure disposal of any sensitive information under your control -- be it data related to health, education, finances or any other sensitive subject.

Paper media

Paper media should be placed in the blue recycling receptacles.  If the paper contains any sensitive information, it should be shredded immediately by you or placed in one of the secure, locked paper recycling receptacles for shredding by our disposal contractor.

If you need a recycling receptacle in your area, or wish to arrange for recycling of a large volume of paper media, contact the Environmental Services division of Facilities and Support Services at 305-243-5504.

Note that there is a charge of $.09/pound for extremely large volumes of paper disposal.

Electronic media, computers, and peripherals

Magnetic and optical storage media like floppies and CDs may be turned over to Medical Information Technology for disposal.  Contact Medical Information Technology to arrange for pickup at 305-243-5999.  Please try to bundle what you have so that only one pickup visit is necessary. 

Whole computers should also be turned over to the Medical Information Technology.  Computer storage peripherals, like external hard drives, may also be turned over to Medical IT.

If you are "re-purposing" a computer to a new use, rather than disposing of it, make sure it is cleared of sensitive information prior to any transfer.  Contact the Help Desk to arrange for free "sanitizing" and software re-installation by the Desktop Support Group.

Do it yourself?

If you're the sort of person who likes do-it-yourself, the technical details of secure disposal are provided here.  But it's generally not cost-effective for you to spend the time -- or obtain the equipment -- even if you know what you're doing.  And if you don't know what you're doing, you can leave data exposed. 

Different kinds of storage media require different methods for secure removal or destruction, some simple but others complex.  It is easy to do an inadequate job.  Simply deleting files, or sending them to the "trash" is never  sufficient.

We can't emphasize enough how important it is to pay attention to secure device and media disposal.  Data security requires good "information lifecycle" practices -- from the moment data is created to the moment it is destroyed.