Case Study
Computer Recyclers UK & Novafox Hydra
Raising the Bar for Network Device Data Sanitisation
Customer
Computer Recyclers UK Ltd
Solution
Novafox Hydra – Network Device Test & Data Sanitisation Platform
Since
November 2025
The Challenge
For many ITADs, network devices sit in an awkward middle ground.
Servers and storage have mature sanitisation processes. End-user devices are well catered for. But switches, routers, firewalls and access points have historically relied on:
- Manual engineer-led resets
- Limited model coverage
- Inconsistent reporting
- Time-consuming validation steps
For Computer Recyclers UK Ltd, the objective was clear:
Deliver repeatable, auditable, enterprise-grade data sanitisation for networking products without slowing down throughput or relying heavily on individual engineer expertise.
They needed:
- Broader supported device coverage
- Standardised, certificate-backed reporting
- Reduced variability in process
- A future-proof solution aligned with compliance expectations
The Decision
In November 2025, Computer Recyclers UK deployed Novafox Hydra into their workflow.
Hydra was designed specifically for the IT circular economy — not adapted from storage tools, but purpose-built for network device testing and certified data sanitisation.
From implementation, the operational shift was immediate.
The Impact
Go-To Platform for Networking Equipment
Hydra quickly became Computer Recyclers UK’s default technology for network device sanitisation.
Marcus Griffiths, Director of Circular Services, Computer Recyclers UK Ltd:
“Hydra has become our go-to platform for secure data sanitisation of networking products. The coverage alone has transformed how we process switches and routers. We’re no longer working around limitations — we’re operating with confidence.”
Expanded Device Coverage
One of the immediate advantages was supported device breadth.
Compared to previous technologies used by the business, Hydra delivered:
- More supported switch and router models
- Faster turnaround when new devices are added
- Reduced requirement for manual fallback processes
This reduced engineering overhead and improved operational consistency.
Compliance-Led Confidence
Hydra aligns with recognised data sanitisation frameworks, including:
- NIST SP 800-88 Rev.2 methodologies
- R2v3 logical sanitisation expectations
- Structured audit-ready reporting
For Computer Recyclers UK, that meant greater assurance when dealing with enterprise and public sector clients.
Marcus Griffiths:
“From a compliance perspective, Hydra strengthens our position significantly. The reporting is structured, consistent and aligned with recognised standards. That gives our customers confidence — and it gives us operational clarity.”
Reduced Engineer Dependency
Prior to Hydra, outcomes were often dependent on individual technician knowledge.
Hydra introduced:
- Standardised workflows
- Controlled execution
- Automated reporting
- Reduced variability
This shifted the process from engineer skill-based to platform-driven consistency.
Jon Woodward, Head of Commercial, Novafox:
“Hydra isn’t about chasing raw volume. It’s about delivering structured, defensible compliance for networking equipment — an area that’s traditionally been underserved. Seeing it embedded into Computer Recyclers UK’s workflow as their default platform validates exactly why we built it.”
Operational Outcomes (Since November 2025)
- Hydra adopted as primary networking sanitisation tool
- Increased supported device coverage versus legacy methods
- Improved audit readiness
- Greater consistency across engineering teams
- Strengthened enterprise client confidence
Strategic Takeaway
Networking equipment is no longer a grey area in the ITAD process.
With Hydra in place, Computer Recyclers UK has:
- Elevated compliance standards
- Reduced operational friction
- Future-proofed its network device sanitisation capability
Crucially, they have standardised an area of the workflow that many ITADs still treat as manual or secondary.
