AZ StRUT Data Security Procedure

We take data security seriously. AZ StRUT follows established procedures for handling donated devices and storage media, including NIST 800-88 wiping practices on qualifying drives and physical destruction of older or unusable media when appropriate.

This page explains how AZ StRUT handles donated devices, where limitations apply based on drop-off location, and provides self-service guides for donors who want to wipe their devices before donation.

At Our Warehouse

When dropped off at the AZ StRUT warehouse (Tuesdays or Thursdays):

  • We perform a complimentary NIST 800-88 drive wipe on all M.2 and SSD SATA hard drives.
  • On select mechanical drives, we perform a complimentary NIST 800-88 drive wipe.
  • We destroy older or unusable drives according to NIST 800-88 standards.
  • When requested in advance by an organization, a Certificate of Destruction may be provided. Fees may apply as described below.

Facility Pickups

When collected from a facility by AZ StRUT staff:

  • Storage media is collected and placed in our locked box truck.
  • Once at the AZ StRUT warehouse, the same process described for warehouse drop-offs applies.

School Drop-Offs

  • Best efforts are made to protect data security.
  • No guarantee is made until AZ StRUT has taken possession of the donation.
  • The collecting school or organization bears no liability.
  • If data security is a primary concern, we recommend removing storage devices or erasing contents before donation.

Partner Locations

Batteries Plus or Data Doctors:

  • There is no promise or assurance of hard drive security while equipment is outside AZ StRUT’s possession.
  • Once equipment reaches our warehouse, the same security measures described above apply.

Collection Events

  • Storage media is collected and placed in our locked box truck.
  • Once at our warehouse, the same process described for direct warehouse drop-offs applies.

Wipe Your Device Before Donating

Want to erase your device before dropping it off? Use one of our step-by-step guides below. These guides help donors remove personal data before donation.

Please note: These guides are provided as a convenience. AZ StRUT can also wipe qualifying drives or destroy storage media according to our data security procedure.

Windows PC Wiping Guide

Step-by-step instructions for wiping a Windows computer before donating.

  • Covers Windows 10 and Windows 11
  • Explains how to choose Remove everything
  • Includes guidance for enabling Clean data
  • Helps prepare the computer for its next owner

Mac Wiping Guide

Step-by-step instructions for wiping a Mac before donating.

  • Covers Apple Silicon Macs and Intel Macs
  • Explains Recovery Mode and Erase Assistant
  • Includes macOS reinstallation guidance
  • Helps leave the Mac ready for its next owner

Certificate of Destruction Policy

  • AZ StRUT can wipe data or destroy media according to NIST 800-88 standards.
  • If a donor wants a Certificate of Destruction (COD), it must be requested in advance of the donation.
  • If the device has reusable value, AZ StRUT will not charge for the service.
  • If the device is no longer usable, or for loose drives outside of devices, a fee of $10 per drive/device may apply.
  • The determination of whether a device is reusable is made by AZ StRUT staff.
  • Any applicable fee will be communicated in advance.

Need Help?

If you have questions about data security, device eligibility, or Certificates of Destruction, please contact AZ StRUT before donating.

Phone: 480-222-4066
Email: info@azstrut.org