Not able to completely zero out a Mac?

What I've done to erase an entire HD with volumes like in your screenshot is the following;

1 - erase Mac HD - Data

2 - erase Mac HD

3 - erase Container Disc2

4 - Erase Apple SSD XXXXX Media

I've tried starting out with #4 but nearly all the time it could not do the job. So I started at #4 and worked my way upward.

If you get an error message that a volume couldn't be unmounted select it in Disk Utrility, unmount and remount. Then try erasing again.

jetway:

I'm running Monterey and am unable to find anything in the System Preference relating to what you described. Can you post a screenshot of the preference pane it's in?

Here is how you you erase the disk: Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac - Apple Support

There is no need to erase the Apple SSD. If it is an M1 Mac, you could render it unusable unless you have another Mac or take it to an Apple Store.

You can do that by going to Apple Logo -> System Preferences

System Preferences -> Erase all contents and settings (on Monterey)

The disk image is the Recovery volume or installer. It is not part of your OS.

You can't erase what it is booted into.

DCarlson93 wrote:

Do you mean you first erase Mac HD - Data > Mac HD > Container and then Apple SSD?

Yes, if you can't completely erase the Apple SSD right off the bat.