Unplugging Responsibly: Data Center Equipment Recycling and Your IT Needs
The speedy march of technology means your data center is constantly evolving, requiring new IT equipment and top-notch technology. However, what happens to all that old equipment? Servers, storage units, and networking gear (routers, switches, and cables) all contribute to a significant e-waste problem. This article will answer your questions about data center equipment, e-waste, and how to dispose of old servers responsibly.
What is the IT equipment at a data center?
A data center is the beating heart of any IT operation, housing the physical infrastructure that stores and processes your critical data. It is where information is stored when we talk about the “Cloud”. Here is a breakdown of the typical equipment you will find:
Servers: These workhorses perform various tasks, from running applications to storing data.
Storage Units: Hard drives, solid-state drives, and tape libraries hold your valuable information.
Networking Equipment: Routers, switches, and firewalls ensure smooth data flow within the data center and out to the wider network.
Cooling Systems: Data centers generate a lot of heat, so specialized cooling equipment is essential to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
Power Distribution Units (PDU): These ensure a steady flow of power to all equipment, guaranteeing availability and uninterrupted power supply.
How much waste do Data Centers produce?
The rapid pace of technological advancement means data centers regularly decommission older equipment. The sheer volume of electronic waste generated by data centers is staggering. According to The Global E-waste Monitor 2020 by UN University, in 2019, the world produced a record 53.6 million metric tonnes of electronic waste, and that number is projected to hit 74.7 million tonnes by 2030.
Industry estimates suggest data centers contribute roughly 2 million tons of this e-waste annually, translating to approximately 4% of the total electronic waste produced globally.
Data Center equipment
Disposing of Old Servers: The Responsible Choice
Throwing away old servers is a recipe for disaster. Besides the environmental hazards and data security risks, hefty penalties are applied for companies that do not manage and dispose of their IT assets properly. Here is the responsible way to dispose of your IT equipment:
E-waste Recycling: Partnering with a certified e-waste recycler is the most eco-friendly and secure option. These companies ensure proper dismantling, material recovery, and responsible disposal of any hazardous materials.
Data Sanitization: Before any recycling takes place, certified data sanitization methods are used to permanently erase all information stored on your devices. This protects your sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands.
Sunada Recycling - Your Trusted Data Center Equipment Recycling Partner
At Sunada Recycling, we understand the unique needs of IT departments. We offer comprehensive ITAD (IT Asset Disposition) and Data Center decommission services, including IT equipment collection, data destruction, and e-waste recycling :
Secure Data Destruction: We employ industry-leading data sanitization methods to guarantee complete data security.
Environmental Responsibility: Our responsible recycling practices minimize environmental impact and promote resource recovery.
Customer Satisfaction: We provide transparent communication, clear documentation, and a streamlined recycling process.
Let us help your business give your decommissioned equipment a green second life! Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can handle your data center equipment recycling needs.