Frequently Asked Questions

The best fit depends on a few practical factors:

Media types. Are you destroying HDDs, SSDs, or a mix? Do you also handle optical media (CDs/DVDs), laptops, tablets, or network gear like switches? Not all machines can shred these media types and it’s important to opt for a solution that will fit your needs.

Volume. How many items will you process—hundreds per month, or thousands? Throughput needs will guide the machine size and workflow.

Destruction level. Your industry and data sensitivity may require specific particle sizes (e.g., ~10 mm vs. sub-2 mm). Align your choice with internal policy and standards (e.g., NIST, DIN 66399).

Power. What power is available at your site? Existing electrical capacity can determine which models are compatible out of the box.

Mobility. Will the system be stationary, or do you need a mobile/on-site option for chain-of-custody and convenience?

Not sure where to start? Visit our Products page to compare options, or contact us and we’ll recommend a solution tailored to your media, volume, and compliance needs.

Yes! Phiston specializes in designing, engineering, and manufacturing industry-leading data destruction solutions. We start with a quick assessment of your needs—media types, monthly volume, target particle size, power/space, and whether you prefer on-site, off-site, or mobile—and then design a system that fits your workflow.

Our in-house engineering team turns requirements into reality, supporting HDDs, SSDs, tapes, optical media, laptops, and network gear. We can include barcode/serial capture, automated Certificates of Destruction, and chain-of-custody tracking, all aligned with standards like NIST SP 800-88, DIN 66399, HIPAA, and GDPR. Installation, training, and preventive maintenance are part of the package so you get reliable, repeatable results.

Ready to explore options? Contact us for a short consultation and we’ll outline a tailored plan with clear choices and budgetary pricing—backed by a team dedicated to making your data destruction goals a reality.

Yes. Several widely recognized standards and guidelines define how to sanitize or physically destroy HDDs (and other media):

• NIST SP 800-88 Rev. 1 (US): Authoritative guidance on media sanitization (Clear, Purge, Destroy) with verification steps and documentation practices.

• DIN 66399 / ISO/IEC 21964 (EU/International): Particle-size–based classes for physical destruction (e.g., H classes for HDDs, E for SSDs). Higher classes (e.g., H7/E6–E7) correspond to smaller particles (ex. 2mm).

• NSA/CSS requirements (US classified): For government-classified media, typically degauss (for HDDs with magnetic platters) and then physically destroy; SSDs must be reduced to very small particle sizes of 2mm using NSA-listed devices.

• Regulatory frameworks: Laws and sector rules (e.g., HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR) mandate secure disposal and proof of proper destruction, even if they don’t specify particle sizes.

Phiston’s solutions are engineered to meet or exceed these requirements (e.g., NIST and DIN levels such as H5–H7/E6), with chain-of-custody and Certificates of Destruction to document compliance.

Yes. Improper end-of-life handling can trigger fines, lawsuits, breach notifications, and investigations.

• Laws apply. Federal/state (and some international) rules require secure destruction and responsible e-waste disposal.

• Data exposure risk. Undestroyed media can leak sensitive info → theft, misuse, reputational damage, remediation costs.

• Regulated industries. Violations of HIPAA, PCI DSS, etc. can lead to heavy penalties and business restrictions.

• Best practice. Use verified methods aligned with NIST SP 800-88 and DIN 66399, plus chain-of-custody and a Certificate of Destruction to prove compliance.

Yes! But only when done the right way.

• Secure first, then recycle. Destroy data to an approved standard, then send materials to certified e-waste recyclers to recover metals (e.g., copper, gold) and plastics.

• Keep toxins out of landfills. Proper processing prevents harmful substances (like lead or mercury) from leaching into soil and water.

• Align with regulations. Follow local and international rules (e.g., WEEE/RoHS in many regions) and use certified recycling partners.

• Document the process. Chain-of-custody and Certificates of Destruction prove both data security and responsible disposal.

Done together, secure destruction + responsible recycling protects data, reduces environmental impact, and supports a circular economy.

Yes, Phiston not only delivers our machines, but we also offer full white glove delivery services.

Our team ensures your equipment is shipped securely, brought onsite, and installed with care. With white glove service, our technicians handle setup from start to finish so your machine is ready for immediate use without added hassle.

Yes , we provide Certificates of Destruction with our services, backed by our patented MediaVision® Scanner (Phi-S). The scanner logs and stores each hard drive’s barcode before destruction, creating a secure, automated link between scanning and crushing. This ensures complete tracking, compliance, and peace of mind that your data is permanently destroyed.