There is no doubt that data erasure or wiping software is the most sustainable of all data sanitization solutions. This is because it allows the device to be re-used with its original data storage components. After degaussing, only certain types of tape can be reused, but other media, like HDD’s, cannot.

Devices lose resale value if they are without data storage. In most cases, replacing the storage component with a new one is too expensive. In all probability, without a data carrier the complete device will have no second life. Recycling a device means only recovering some of the materials. Destroying data storage devices generates not only a financial loss of resale value, but it also an environmental impact leading to lower sustainability rankings for the organization. The most polluting solution is incineration. After the EU obliged organizations to reinforce their data protection through the GDPR, new ambitious EU legislation is underway: the right to repair. How can you optimize reuse without detracting from security? How secure is data erasure software? What are the real issues? See Data erasure enveloped in mist.