Retiring business computers involves more than wiping the hard drive. Managed devices have MDM enrolments, Microsoft 365 licences, Azure AD joins, BitLocker keys, and BIOS locks that need to be dealt with in the right order — or you'll create headaches down the track. This is the complete process for Perth businesses decommissioning laptops and desktops.
Complete these checks before physically collecting or wiping any device:
Once the device is unenrolled from all systems and no longer assigned to a user, proceed with data destruction.
| Storage Type | Suitable Methods | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HDD (spinning) | NIST 800-88 Clear (overwrite), Purge (secure erase), Shred | Software overwrite is sufficient for general business data |
| SSD / NVMe | ATA Secure Erase / NVMe Format (Purge), Physical shredding | Software overwrite unreliable due to wear levelling — use Secure Erase or shred |
| Hybrid drive (SSHD) | Treat as SSD | Flash cache component requires Secure Erase or physical destruction |
| eMMC storage (cheap laptops) | Physical shredding preferred | ATA Secure Erase support varies by manufacturer |
| MacBook (T2 / M-chip) | Apple Erase All Content and Settings | Apple's built-in secure erase properly sanitises the internal SSD |
Mac disposal note: For Apple Silicon and T2 Macs, use "Erase All Content and Settings" from System Settings — this properly invokes the Secure Enclave to sanitise the storage. Standard formatting does not. For older Intel Macs without T2, use macOS Recovery to erase and reinstall, or have the drive physically destroyed if the data classification warrants it.
Some things a data wipe does not reset:
Once data destruction is complete and documented, you have three realistic options for the physical hardware:
Working devices under 5 years old with a clean wipe and reinstalled OS can often be sold through an ITAD provider's remarketing channel, donated to schools or charities, or listed on the secondary market. You may recover some residual value — typically $50–$400 per device depending on spec and age.
Devices that are too old to have secondary market value, damaged, or failing should go to an ITAD provider with NTCRS-approved recycling capability. This ensures responsible e-waste processing — batteries are properly handled, hazardous materials (mercury, lead) are processed appropriately, and recyclable metals are recovered.
For devices that held sensitive, confidential, or legally restricted data — healthcare records, financial data, government contractor information — physical destruction of the storage media by a certified ITAD provider is the highest-assurance option. You receive a Certificate of Destruction documenting the serial number, destruction method, and date.
Don't skip the documentation: Even for low-sensitivity devices, maintain a disposal log with device serial number, disposal date, method, and responsible party. If a breach allegation arises 18 months after disposal, you need to be able to show what happened to each device.
| # | Task | Who | Done |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Record asset details (serial, model, user) | IT / admin | ☐ |
| 2 | Migrate user data to cloud / confirm backup complete | IT + user | ☐ |
| 3 | Revoke M365 sessions and remove device from Azure AD | IT admin | ☐ |
| 4 | Retire / wipe device in MDM (Intune/Jamf) | IT admin | ☐ |
| 5 | Remove BitLocker/FileVault key from escrow | IT admin | ☐ |
| 6 | Remove BIOS password / deactivate persistent agents | IT | ☐ |
| 7 | Select data destruction method (by storage type) | IT / ITAD | ☐ |
| 8 | Execute destruction or hand to ITAD with collection manifest | ITAD provider | ☐ |
| 9 | Receive and file Certificate of Destruction | IT admin | ☐ |
| 10 | Update asset register — mark as disposed | IT / finance | ☐ |
IT Asset Disposal Perth handles collection, certified data destruction, and responsible recycling — with full documentation for every device. Free collection available for 10+ units.
Get a Quote Call 0431 882 201Last updated: April 2026. IT Asset Disposal Perth, Western Australia — secure data destruction and e-waste recycling for Perth businesses.