Certificate of Destruction

Every project ends with a Certificate of Destruction: the document that proves your drives and data-bearing equipment were destroyed securely and that you met your data protection obligations.

Why it matters

Without proof of destruction, your organization carries the risk if a retired drive surfaces later. HIPAA, GLBA, SOX, PCI DSS, GDPR and most security frameworks expect documented, verifiable destruction. The certificate is what you show your auditors, your clients and your security team.

Sample Certificate of Destruction listing serial numbers, method and date

What the certificate includes

  • Date, location and method of destruction (shredding, degaussing, wiping)
  • Serial numbers of destroyed drives and assets
  • Chain of custody from pickup to destruction
  • Reference to the destruction standard used (NIST 800-88)
  • Authorized signature and certificate number

Supporting documents (on request)

  • Serialized drive and asset reports
  • Photos and video of destruction
  • Chain of custody logs
  • Certificate of Recycling for remaining material
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