Your data is your responsibility. Follow the steps below for your device type before dropping off. All storage media is also physically destroyed during certified recycling — but wiping first gives you extra peace of mind.
Select the type of device you're recycling for specific instructions.
Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now, or connect to a computer and back up via Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows).
Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Sign Out. This disables Activation Lock, which is important before recycling or selling your device.
Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the prompts. The device will restart to the setup screen.
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and SettingsYour device is ready. Find your nearest drop-off at a Noel Leeming or Warehouse store.
Go to Settings → Accounts and Backup → Back Up Data (Samsung), or Settings → System → Backup (Pixel and most others). Enable Google Backup to save contacts, photos, and apps.
Go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Remove Account. This prevents Google's Factory Reset Protection (FRP) from locking the device after reset.
Most Android phones: Settings → General Management → Reset → Factory Data Reset → Reset. On Pixel: Settings → System → Reset Options → Erase All Data.
Settings → General Management → Reset → Factory Data ResetYour device is ready. Find your nearest drop-off at a Noel Leeming or Warehouse store.
Before resetting, sign out of Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Spotify and any other streaming accounts. This deauthorises the device from your account, which is separate from the factory reset.
Go to your TV's app store or payment settings and remove any saved credit card or billing details.
Most smart TVs: Settings → General → Reset to Initial Settings (Samsung) or Settings → Device Preferences → Reset (Android TV / Google TV) or Settings → System → Advanced System Settings → Factory Reset (LG webOS). Confirm when prompted. This will erase all accounts and settings.
Your TV is ready. Smart TVs are accepted at drop-off points. Check the locator for locations that accept large items.
Copy important files to an external drive or cloud storage (OneDrive, Google Drive) before proceeding.
Go to Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC → Remove Everything. When asked how to reinstall Windows, choose "Local reinstall". When asked to clean the drive, choose "Remove files and clean the drive" for maximum security.
Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC → Remove EverythingMechanical hard drives can sometimes be recovered after a standard reset. For extra security, use one of the free tools below to overwrite the drive before dropping off. SSDs do not require this step.
Not sure if you have an HDD or SSD? In Windows, open Device Manager → Disk Drives — SSDs typically say "SSD" or "NVMe" in the name.
Bootable tool that wipes the entire drive using DoD 5220.22-M standards. Best for older computers.
Windows application. Overwrites free space or entire drives. Supports multiple overwrite passes.
Certified data erasure software. Provides a certificate of erasure for peace of mind.
Bootable wiper supporting multiple government-standard overwrite algorithms.
SSDs should be erased using the manufacturer's own toolbox, as they handle secure erase differently to HDDs. Find yours below:
Samsung Magician — includes Secure Erase function
Kingston SSD Manager
Crucial Storage Executive
WD Dashboard
SeaTools for Windows
Intel Memory and Storage Tool
Corsair SSD Toolbox
Each brand provides its own toolbox — search "[brand] SSD toolbox"
Connect an external drive and go to System Settings → General → Time Machine → Add Backup Disk. Let the backup complete before continuing.
Go to System Settings → [Your Name] → Sign Out. This also disables Activation Lock on Apple Silicon Macs.
Go to Apple menu → System Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the prompts. The Mac will restart to the setup assistant.
Apple menu → System Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content and SettingsRestart in Recovery Mode by holding Cmd + R at startup. Use Disk Utility → Erase to wipe the drive, then reinstall macOS from the Recovery menu.
Restart → Hold Cmd + R → Disk Utility → Erase → Reinstall macOSYour Mac is ready. Find your nearest drop-off at a Noel Leeming or Warehouse store.
Look for a "Reset to factory defaults", "Clear memory", or "Restore factory settings" option in the printer's settings menu. The exact steps vary by model.
Check for SD card slots or USB ports on the device and remove any removable media before dropping off.
Remove memory cards and storage media. Most cameras and consoles have a "Factory Reset" or "Initialise" option in their settings menu.
Use the physical reset button (usually a pinhole on the back) to restore factory settings and clear your Wi-Fi credentials and network configuration.
Some devices that are collected in good condition may be assessed for refurbishment rather than material recycling. Any device that goes through a refurbishment pathway is data wiped as part of that process before being made available for reuse. TechCollect NZ does not issue certificates of data destruction for refurbished devices. If you require a certificate, we recommend wiping your device yourself before dropping it off using the steps above.
All storage media on devices processed through our certified recycling network is physically destroyed as part of the AS/NZS 5377 process. Hard drives, SSDs, and memory chips are shredded on-site. Data cannot be recovered from shredded media. TechCollect NZ does not issue certificates of destruction for recycled devices. If you require written confirmation, please contact us before dropping off.
It is not a requirement, but it is strongly recommended. Wiping your device gives you direct control over your personal data and peace of mind before the device leaves your hands. TechCollect NZ cannot guarantee the safety of data on devices that have not been wiped prior to drop-off.
No. Once a device has been dropped off it cannot be retrieved. Devices are collected, transported, and processed through the recycling or refurbishment chain. Please make sure you have backed up everything you need and are happy to permanently relinquish the device before dropping it off.
Find your nearest Noel Leeming or Warehouse store that accepts e-waste. No booking. No cost. Just drop it off.
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