A DOCUMENTED PROCESS
Know How Your Data Will Be Handled.
Grove provides data sanitization and physical destruction as part of our free electronics recycling service. For business customers and other arranged services with documentation, your selected method is recorded before pickup. Data-bearing equipment stays under restricted-access controls from the completed custody handoff through final processing.
Approved pickup, transportation, data sanitization, physical destruction, and standard Certificates of Data Destruction are provided at no cost.
Customer Confidentiality
We respect confidential customer relationships and nondisclosure agreements. We do not publicize NDA-covered relationships or use those customers' identities as endorsements.
You can evaluate our service through the handling process below and the documentation available for your collection. Discuss any confidentiality or reporting requirements with us before pickup, without sending sensitive files or passwords through the inquiry form.
Separate Drop-off and Shredding Locations
Grove operates at multiple locations. For safety, our main customer drop-off location is separate from our shredding facility. Shredding does not take place at the customer drop-off location, and we do not offer live viewing of destruction, either in person or by video.
Our documented handling process and Certificates of Data Destruction provide a record of completed processing. Anonymous drop-offs receive documentation only when specifically requested before handoff.
Anonymous Drop-offs: Secure Handling Without Paperwork
Anonymous drop-offs receive our highest level of data protection, with processing appropriate to the storage media. You do not need to complete a selection form, and forms, certificates, or reports are not routinely offered for anonymous drop-offs.
If you want a specific processing method, a certificate, or other documentation, tell us when arranging your drop-off or before handing over the equipment. We will arrange the requested paperwork with you. Standard data destruction certificates remain free.
Documented Customer Collections
The selection forms and customer documentation below apply to business customers and other arranged services requiring records. Anonymous drop-offs follow the handling policy above without routine customer paperwork.
Confirm Your Instructions
Required paperwork, including the Data Destruction Selection Form, is completed before pickup. We resolve missing or unclear selections with you before collection.
Document the Custody Handoff
Grove assumes custody when the transfer is complete and equipment is secured under our exclusive control. A chain-of-custody record documents handling during collection, transportation, and processing.
Secure the Equipment
Data-bearing devices and components are kept in a secure room restricted to authorized personnel. Items awaiting processing are held in separately locked cages within that room, with additional access restrictions.
Process and Verify
We carry out the selected method and verify sanitization before recording it as successful. Unsuccessful or unverified sanitization follows the physical destruction process described below.
Provide the Completion Record
Your certificate follows processing and reconciliation of the associated records. Additional inventory reporting follows the arrangements confirmed before pickup.
Choose the Method That Fits Your Requirements
For documented customer services, your choices are recorded on the Data Destruction Selection Form. Applicable media are processed according to those selections. Explicit instructions requiring physical destruction take precedence.
Impact
Physical destruction using crushing, punching, or other mechanical force appropriate to the storage media.
Shredding may also be performed, but it is not guaranteed under this selection. If your requirements call for shredding, select Shred.
Shred
Physical destruction by mechanically shredding the data-bearing media or components.
When you select Shred, shredding is required. This also applies if a sanitization attempt cannot be completed or verified and your instructions require shredding.
Overwrite Sanitization
For supported magnetic hard drives, we overwrite the drive and verify the results in accordance with applicable guidance in NIST SP 800-88 Revision 2.
This option does not cover tapes or other unsupported magnetic media. Those are processed using the selected Impact or Shred method.
Cryptographic Erase & Additional Overwrite
For supported SSDs and NVMe drives, we destroy the encryption keys needed to read previously stored, properly encrypted data. We then overwrite all available user-accessible storage space and filesystem metadata.
Both steps must complete successfully and be verified. We recommend this option for supported SSDs and NVMe drives because it preserves functional hardware and reduces electronic waste.
Our sanitization procedures and verification follow applicable guidance in NIST SP 800-88 Revision 2: Guidelines for Media Sanitization.
Separate Drives and Built-In Storage
We remove storage media that can be extracted for separate processing. Devices with integrated or non-removable storage undergo an appropriate industry-standard or manufacturer-prescribed sanitization procedure, with successful sanitization verified before the device is considered sanitized.
If Sanitization Cannot Be Completed or Verified
A failed or unverified attempt is not recorded as successful sanitization. The affected data-bearing media or components are shredded or destroyed using another method that meets the applicable NIST SP 800-88 Revision 2 Destroy requirements, suits the media type, and meets your agreed security requirements.
If you require shredding, shredding is mandatory. Where component removal is impractical, the entire device is destroyed using a method that meets those requirements for its data-bearing storage.
Processing Within 24-72 Hours
Data sanitization or physical destruction is completed within 24 to 72 hours after devices arrive at our facility and are placed in secure storage. Completion means the agreed method has been carried out and, for sanitization, the required verification has succeeded.
Certificates are issued after processing is complete and the associated records have been reconciled.
DOCUMENTATION INCLUDED
Your Certificate of Data Destruction
For documented customer services, we issue a Certificate of Data Destruction following processing and record reconciliation. It identifies the media or devices processed, and standard certificates are included at no charge. Anonymous drop-offs receive documentation only when specifically requested.
Identifying the Equipment
- Removable drives: identified by drive serial number.
- Integrated or non-removable storage: identified by device serial number or, where applicable, IMEI.
If an identifier cannot be obtained, we make reasonable efforts to record a description and other available identifying information. The absence of a readable identifier is noted in the associated records.
Recording the Outcome
The certificate identifies the transaction and lists equipment quantities and device serial numbers. Your processing method is selected before service; confirm any method-specific documentation requirements with us before pickup.
Additional equipment inventory and reporting requirements are recorded in your signed Pickup Inventory and Reporting Requirements Form. We confirm requested arrangements before pickup.
SEE THE DOCUMENTATION
Sample Certificate of Data Destruction
This public sample follows our certificate format, with fictional customer information, document details, quantities, and device identifiers. It shows the customer and transaction fields, equipment totals, representative and signature fields, and serial-number inventory.
The sample is for illustration only and is not proof that any equipment was processed.
Standard certificates are free for documented customer services. Anonymous drop-offs receive documentation only when specifically requested. Confirm any additional method-specific records, equipment inventory, or reporting requirements before pickup.
Before You Hand Over a Device
Keep the Files You Still Need
Back up files you want to retain and separate equipment or storage devices you are keeping. Discuss data concerns before processing begins.
Remove Account Locks If You Can
Removing account locks, activation locks, and mobile device management (MDM) enrollment is preferred, but not required. We accept locked devices. If possible, sign out of accounts and ask your organization to remove its management enrollment.
Keep Passwords and Sensitive Files Out of Your Request
Describe your equipment and requirements without sending passwords or confidential documents. If you attach photos, avoid readable screens, documents, or personal information.
Responsible Recycling After Processing
Following sanitization or physical destruction, materials designated for recycling are sorted and processed through appropriate recycling channels in accordance with applicable environmental and electronic waste requirements.
Let Us Help Plan Your Next Step.
Use the form to describe your equipment and data-handling needs. We will help confirm the required paperwork and your processing and reporting selections before pickup.