Before decommissioning a data center, check ten items: a full serial-number inventory, every data-bearing device identified, required data migrated, destruction method and location chosen, UPS batteries prepared as hazardous waste, a licensed recycler contracted, pickup scheduled, resale or refurbishment candidates identified, certificates received, and the asset register updated.
The checklist
- Inventory servers, storage and network gear with serial numbers.
- Identify every device that contains storage media.
- Confirm required data and backups have been migrated.
- Choose the destruction method — NIST 800-88 wiping or physical destruction — and whether it happens on-site.
- Separate UPS batteries and handle them as hazardous waste.
- Contract a WMRA-licensed recycler.
- Schedule pickup by volume (large shipments can take two weeks).
- Identify equipment for resale or refurbishment after wiping.
- Receive the data destruction certificate, recycling certificate and final report.
- Update the asset register and link it to the certificates.
Who should be involved
- IT (inventory and migration).
- Information security (destruction method).
- Finance (asset write-off).
- Sustainability/EHS (ESG reporting).
- The licensed recycler.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does decommissioning take?
It depends on size. Pickup usually takes 3–7 days, very large shipments up to two weeks, and certificates are issued within 14 days of pickup.
Must data be destroyed inside the data center?
If your policy forbids storage media leaving, yes. Triple RE offers on-site destruction.
Can we recover some of the cost?
Yes. Working equipment can be sold or refurbished after secure data wiping.
Related
Need help? Call +20 100 069 1011 or request a pickup.