How to Securely Dispose of Old IoT Devices

Many connected gadgets eventually get replaced. Many people throw their old devices in a drawer or the trash without a second thought, unaware of the risks. IoT devices can retain sensitive information, such as account logins and Wi-Fi passwords.

Carelessly disposing of old IoT devices hands that information to whoever ends up with the device next. It might be a stranger who bought it secondhand, someone who picked it out of the trash or a bad actor harvesting electronic waste for malicious means.

Why Improper Disposal Is a Real Security Risk

IoT devices are built for convenience over security. Many store login credentials and network settings directly on the device. That data doesn’t disappear when the device is unplugged or its apps are deleted.

Improper disposal exposes owners to data leakage risks that attackers can utilize to launch malicious attacks. Technology that still retains this information can be used to access any accounts or networks it was originally connected to. This is especially easy to do if the device was never properly wiped before being discarded.

Vulnerable devices are key targets of exploitation for attackers building botnets, which are networks of hijacked devices used to launch larger cyberattacks. A discarded smart camera or router sitting in a landfill can still be reachable if it hasn’t been properly wiped. This is exactly the kind of entry point attackers look for to launch widespread cyberattacks.

4 Tips for Safely Disposing of IoT Devices

IoT devices occasionally collect user data without clear consent mechanisms, making inadequate disposal especially concerning. By understanding key principles for properly disposing of connected technologies, users can reliably mitigate these risks.

1. Remove the Device From Accounts First

Before doing anything else, users should disconnect every account and app. This includes the manufacturer’s app, any smart home platform it was connected through and any cloud storage tied to it — such as saved camera footage. Removing the device prevents it from communicating with accounts, even if someone later manages to power it on.

This step is crucial because it addresses the digital footprint beyond the hardware itself. Many IoT devices maintain a persistent link to a user’s account for cloud services, such as data backups, remote access or subscription features. Failing to remove this link means that a digital ghost of the device may remain in the account, even after a factory reset.

2. Perform a Factory Reset

Most gadgets have a factory reset option, usually accessed through a small physical button or a setting within their app. A reset restores them to their original settings and erases stored information, such as Wi-Fi and account credentials. It’s worth checking the manufacturer’s instructions, since this process may require specific conditions, such as holding a button for a set amount of time.

Crucially, a factory reset doesn't always guarantee every trace of data will disappear. Data may be recoverable, since the underlying storage can still contain remnants of the deleted information. For devices that may handle sensitive footage or business data, a more thorough approach is advisable.

3. Know When to Physically Destroy the Device

Devices that store sensitive information are best approached with data destruction methods used in professional settings. The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s data sanitization framework describes three levels of data destruction. The first is clearing, which overwrites data using standard commands. Purging employs more advanced techniques, such as cryptographic erasure. Destruction physically renders the storage unusable.

Most people do not need equipment built for that level of destruction, but the underlying idea still applies at a smaller scale. If a device cannot be reset with confidence, or if it stores sensitive data, then incineration, disintegration, shredding or melting are reasonable last resorts before disposal.

4. Recycle or Donate Responsibly

Once a gadget has been reset and disconnected from all accounts, it shouldn't go straight into the trash. IoT devices contain the same batteries and materials as other electronics, and tossing them into household waste contributes to unnecessary e-waste. Recent data show that e-waste production is expected to reach 82 million tonnes by 2030 if no major shifts occur, underscoring the value of proper recycling for the environment.

Many manufacturers offer take-back or recycling programs. Local electronics recycling centers will typically accept smart home devices alongside phones and computers. If the device still works, donating it is also an option, provided reset and account removal are complete.

A Quick Habit Worth Building

These steps don’t take very long. Doing them consistently is far easier than dealing with the consequences of skipping them. Before an old smart device leaves the house, it's worth taking a few minutes to disconnect it from its accounts, reset it properly and confirm it no longer holds anything that could be traced back to a home network or personal account. That small habit closes off one more way old technology can come back to cause a problem.