Common Mistakes Made When Disposing Old Electronics

At RW Lone Star Security, we’ve seen a lot over the years. Folks across Texas often think they’re doing the right thing, only to find out later that the way they disposed of their electronics left them exposed or caused harm to the environment. Most of the time, it’s just a lack of information—and we’re here to help clear things up.

Throwing Electronics in the Trash or General Recycling

One of the biggest mistakes is tossing old computers or phones in the garbage or dropping them off at a regular recycling center. These facilities aren’t built for e-waste. Electronics contain heavy metals and toxic components that can seep into the soil and water. Worse, deleted hard drives often still hold recoverable data. Without proper hard drive shredding, your personal or business information can fall into the wrong hands.

Keeping Old Devices Too Long

Another common mistake is keeping old laptops and phones in a drawer or storage bin. It might feel harmless, but those devices still contain sensitive data. Batteries can corrode over time or even become a fire hazard. It’s better to recycle old laptops and phones as soon as they’re no longer in use—with help from a trusted, experienced service provider.

Trusting the Wrong Drop-Off Programs

Big box stores and local e-waste events seem convenient, but not all of them guarantee secure recycling. Some electronics end up overseas in unsafe landfills or get processed without proper controls. And your data? It might still be on that hard drive. That’s why we always recommend using certified pros who specialize in electronics recycling and data destruction.

DIY Data Wiping and Dismantling

Then there are folks who try to erase hard drives or dismantle machines on their own. Most consumer-level software doesn’t fully remove your data. Taking apart devices without the right tools or training can also be risky. At RW Lone Star Security, we use industrial shredders to make sure data is destroyed completely and safely. It’s about more than just breaking stuff—it’s about protecting what matters.

old laptop computers
mobile shredding truck

Why Choose RW Lone Star Security for Electronics Recycling

We’ve been doing this for over 14 years. We’re certified, veteran-owned, and trusted by both government agencies and private companies. Our team knows what to look for, what to shred, and what to protect.

We don’t just recycle old laptops and phones—we destroy hard drives on-site if needed, and we follow best practices every step of the way. Our electronics recycling process is built to keep your data safe and protect the environment. No shortcuts. No guesswork.

And we make it easy. Whether you’re cleaning out your home office or running a full tech refresh for a business, we handle everything with care. We also make sure nothing ends up in the wrong hands or the wrong place.

Service Locations

Austin

In Austin, we serve local homes, businesses, and government offices with secure electronics recycling and hard drive shredding. We make it easy to dispose of your old tech without putting your data or the environment at risk.

San Antonio

Our San Antonio clients trust us for reliable e-waste disposal and certified hard drive destruction. We’re proud to offer services that protect both your privacy and our Texas landscape.

Waco

Waco residents and businesses count on us for electronics recycling that follows strict standards and keeps personal data secure. Whether you’ve got one computer or a whole room of outdated gear, we’re here to help.

FAQ

No. Deleting files doesn’t fully erase them. Proper hard drive shredding ensures complete data destruction.

Yes, we recycle most office electronics, including printers, copiers, and network devices.

It depends on the volume and type of equipment. We’ll always give you a clear quote upfront.

Yes, we offer on-site mobile shredding for hard drives and other media.

Shredded electronics are sorted and processed by certified partners to recover valuable materials safely.

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About The Author

Angela Davis

Angela is an accomplished marketing and sales management professional, with over 20 years of experience. Specifically, Angela has over 7 years of experience as the President of Proshred North Texas, where she oversees all aspects of management, strategic planning, and marketing program development. Under her guidance, Proshred North Texas has increased its revenue over ten-fold. Angela also has a working knowledge of both US and Canadian markets.

angela davis