iPad is disabled connect to iTunes

See instructions in If you forgot the passcode for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or your device is disabled - Apple Support

If you’ve forgotten the passcode for your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, or your device is disabled

https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT204306

The problem here is I have followed the Apple FAQ instructions twice.

iPad Air 2 will not re-set to factory settings - still shows "iPad is disabled - connect to iTunes."

Yes, iPad Air 2 was connected to Mac Book Pro running Catalina OS.

Home button, power, volume control buttons all still worked as of last time iPad permitted access.

Original problem: the iPad stopped recognizing the log-in security passcode.

Next steps?

If iPad Air 2 cannot be re-set to factory settings to re-use, how to be assured the iPad has been cleared of previous data so it can be recycled?

Thank you. :(