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Data center decommissioning
Data Center & IT Asset Decommissioning
Retiring a data hall means removing servers, batteries, refrigerants and data, and proving where every piece went. AAAT3 manages decommissioning with safe removal, data security and chain of custody records from rack to recycler.
- Asset inventory
- Data sanitization
- Chain of custody
- Battery & refrigerant removal
- E-waste recycling records
By the numbers
Why decommissioning needs a record
Electronic waste generated worldwide in 2022
UN Global E-waste Monitor, 2024Share of that e-waste documented as properly collected and recycled
UN Global E-waste Monitor, 2024Value of metals in e-waste each year, much of it lost
UN Global E-waste Monitor, 2024What’s included
Retire it safely, securely and on record
Every asset is counted, cleared and tracked until the certificate is in hand.
Inventory and planning
You cannot track what you did not count.
- Asset inventory by rack
- Power down sequence
- Removal and logistics plan
- Client and owner approvals
Data security
Drives and media hold client data until they are sanitized or destroyed.
- Sanitization or destruction method
- Chain of custody forms
- Certificates of destruction
- Secure transport
Safe removal and disposal
Batteries, refrigerants and heavy gear need careful handling.
- Battery and refrigerant removal
- Rigging and material handling
- Certified recyclers
- Recycling and resale records
Project management and consulting
Project management and consulting for decommissioning
AAAT3 can manage the full decommissioning, oversee vendors or set up chain of custody.
Decommissioning project management
Inventory, removal, data security and disposal managed end to end.
Best for: Operators retiring halls or sitesChain of custody program
Forms, handoffs and records from rack to recycler.
Best for: Sites with security or audit needsRecycler and ITAD vendor oversight
Certified vendors selected and audited.
Best for: Large equipment retirementsHazmat removal oversight
Batteries, refrigerants and other hazardous materials handled to rule.
Best for: Rooms with UPS batteries and cooling gearSustainability reporting support
Records that show recycling and reuse results.
Best for: Operators with ESG reportingFederal decommissioning
Media sanitization and disposal on federal sites.
Best for: Federal and military data centersHow it works
From inventory to certificate
Inventory
Every asset listed.
Plan
Power down and removal plan.
Sanitize
Data cleared or destroyed.
Remove
Gear removed safely.
Recycle
Certified vendor processing.
Certify
Certificates and records filed.
Rule of thumb: if you cannot show where a drive went, assume the client will ask.
Ways to work with us
Pick the level of support you need
Start small with a review, put a qualified person on site, or hand us the whole program. Every option is priced to your scope.
Quick start
Decommissioning plan
A plan with inventory, steps and vendor needs.
- Inventory review
- Removal plan
- Vendor list
- Report in days
Most popular
On-site decommissioning oversight
A qualified AAAT3 lead managing removal and custody.
- Chain of custody
- Vendor oversight
- Safety oversight
- Daily logs
Full program
Decommissioning management
We manage the full decommissioning project.
- Inventory and planning
- Data security
- Recycling records
- Owner reporting
What you get
Deliverables
Asset inventory
Every item by rack and serial.
Chain of custody records
Each handoff signed.
Certificates of destruction
Data sanitization and destruction proof.
Recycling certificates
Where materials went.
Hazmat records
Batteries and refrigerants handled.
Closeout report
Summary of what was done.
Standards
Codes and standards we work to
Data and assets
3- NIST SP 800-88
Media sanitizationFederal
- R2 / e-Stewards
Certified electronics recyclingIndustry
- ISO/IEC 27001
Information security managementIndustry
Hazmat
3- 40 CFR 273
Universal waste, including batteriesFederal
- 40 CFR 82 Subpart F
Refrigerant recoveryFederal
- 29 CFR 1926 Subpart T
DemolitionFederal
Related data center services
Every phase of the build, one partner
Where we do this work
Retiring a hall or a site? Get a decommissioning plan before the first rack comes out.
Get a Decommissioning QuoteFAQ
Common questions
What does data center decommissioning include?
Inventory, power down, data sanitization or destruction, removal of IT gear, batteries and refrigerants, and documented recycling or resale.
How is data destroyed?
Drives are sanitized or physically destroyed using methods such as those in NIST SP 800-88, with certificates for each item.
What is chain of custody?
A signed record of every handoff from the rack to the final recycler, showing who had each asset and when.
What happens to batteries and refrigerants?
They are removed and handled under EPA rules for universal waste and refrigerant recovery.
Can AAAT3 manage our decommissioning?
Yes. We manage inventory, removal, data security and recycling records end to end.
Get a quote for Data Center & IT Asset Decommissioning
Tell us about your project, location and start date. We reply with a plan and pricing.
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