§ 2.36 - Disposition and destruction [4.1(b)].

Classified information no longer needed in current working files or for reference or record purposes shall be processed for appropriate disposition in accordance with the provisions of Title 44, United States Code, Chapters 21 and 33, which govern disposition of Federal records. Classified information approved for destruction shall be destroyed by either burning, melting, chemical decomposition, pulping, mulching, pulverizing, cross-cut shredding or other mutilation in the presence of appropriately cleared and authorized persons. The method of destruction must preclude recognition or reconstruction of the classified information. The residue from cross-cut shredding of Top Secret, Secret, and Confidential classified, non-Communications Security (COMSEC), information contained in paper media may not exceed 3/32″ by 1/2″ with a 1/64″ tolerance.

(a) Diskettes or Floppy Disks. Diskettes or floppy disks containing information or data classified up to and including Top Secret may be destroyed by the use of an approved degausser, burning, pulverizing, and chemical decomposition, or by first reformatting or reinitializing the diskette then physically removing the magnetic disk from its protective sleeve and using an approved cross-cut shredder to destroy the magnetic media. Care must be exercised to ensure that the destruction of magnetic disks does not damage the cross-cut shredder. The residue from such destruction, however, may not exceed 1/32″ by 1/2″ with a 1/64″ tolerance. The destruction of classified COMSEC information on diskettes or floppy disks may only be effected by burning followed by crushing of the ash residue.

(b) Hard Disks. Hard disks, including removable hard disks, disk packs, drums or single disk platters that contain classified information must first be degaussed prior to physical destruction. The media must be destroyed by incineration, chemical decomposition or the entire magnetic disk pack, drum, or platter recording surface must be obliterated by use of an emery wheel or disk sander.

(c) Approval of Use of Mulching and Cross-cut Shredding Equipment. Prior to obtaining mulching or cross-cut shredding equipment, the Departmental Director of Security shall approve the use of such equipment.

(d) Use of Burnbags. Any classified information to be destroyed by burning shall be torn and placed in opaque containers, commonly designated as burnbags, which shall be clearly and distinctly labeled “BURN” or “CLASSIFIED WASTE”. Burnbags awaiting destruction are to be protected by security safeguards commensurate with the classification or control designation of the information involved.

(e) Records of Destruction. Appropriate accountability records shall be maintained on TD F 71-01.17 (Classified Document Certificate of Destruction) to reflect the destruction of all Top Secret and Secret information. As deemed necessary by the originator, or as required by special regulations, the TD F 71-01.17 shall be executed for the destruction of information classified Confidential or marked Limited Official Use. TD F's 71-01.17 shall be maintained for a three-year period after which the form may be destroyed. No record of the actual destruction of the TD F 71-01.17 is required.

(f) Destruction of non-record Classified Information. Non-record classified information such as extra copies and duplicates, including shorthand notes, preliminary drafts, used carbon paper and other material of similar temporary nature, shall also be destroyed by burning, mulching, or cross-cut shredding as soon as it has served its purpose, but no records of such destruction need be maintained.