---
type: concept
title: Data Carrier Disposal
tags: [security, hardware, data-protection, e-waste]
related: [universitatsrechenzentrum-urz, referat-beschaffung]
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_support_dienstleistungen_datentraegerentsorgung.md"]
---

# Data Carrier Disposal

**Data Carrier Disposal** (German: *Datenträgerentsorgung*) is the certified and data-protection-compliant destruction of storage media to prevent the leak of confidential university information.

## Policy and Rationale
Storage media such as hard drives (HDDs), CDs, DVDs, and USB sticks typically contain sensitive data. Consequently, they are prohibited from being disposed of as standard electronic waste (e-waste), as standard recycling processes may not guarantee the complete destruction of data.

## Procedural Guidelines
The [[universitatsrechenzentrum-urz]] manages the certified disposal process. The following rules apply to submissions:

### Submission Requirements
- **Physical State:** All data carriers must be **removed from their devices** before submission.
- **Packaging:** Media must be submitted **without original packaging**.

### Disposal Workflow
The process differs based on whether individual media or entire systems are being decommissioned:

| Item Type | Process |
| :--- | :--- |
| **Individual Media** | Can be brought directly to the URZ for disposal at any time. |
| **Full Computers** | 1. Must be cleared by the [[referat-beschaffung]] for inventory purposes.<br>2. Once released, the hard drive is removed and brought to the URZ.<br>3. The remaining computer chassis is disposed of as regular e-waste. |

## Support
Inquiries regarding data carrier disposal can be handled via the [[groupware]] ticket system or the URZ hotline.