When it comes to data center decommissioning, the attention frequently shifts to IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) and what to do with IT gear.

This is significant since there are several compliance requirements for IT hardware that contains sensitive information. The equipment comprises rare, precious, and dangerous components that must be reclaimed, recycled, and disposed of safely.

While e-waste is a big concern, data centers' mechanical and electrical components must also be taken into account. Transformers, generators, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioning) units, switchgear, flooring, wiring, security & monitoring systems, and even server racks all have an environmental impact over their lifetime. While most of it will be salvaged for scrap and materials, many businesses are too eager to purchase new rather than refurbished equipment and then rapidly dispose of it rather than reselling or reuse on other sites.

"The majority of the attention in the data area around deconstruction is around e-waste," says Todd Boucher, Principal & Founder, Leading Edge Design Group (LEG), "and there isn't a lot of emphases focused on the end of life route for other materials and infrastructure that are used in the data center."

"People are hesitant to buy a used generator, even if it is a third of the cost and its remaining useful life surpasses the facility's estimated life," says Eric Hoover, Director of Development at Iron Flag Power Systems. "Everyone wants new equipment."

"You have this durable equipment like as generators, that would run for 35-40 years in a regular business environment." However, due to dependability and redundancy requirements in a data center, they don't want to take a chance. Therefore they replace the generators in 20 to 25 years, committing the lifespan by 15 years."

According to LG's Boucher, a "control factor" makes many firms hesitant to buy old data center equipment, particularly when it comes to uptime and resiliency needs.

"Owners are most at ease when they have complete control." Even if you are possibly purchasing a piece of equipment that has a long life and is trustworthy, you have no control over what happened on that equipment before it arrived at your site, which I believe is very challenging from a dependability aspect."

Source:
@ https://compucycle.com/data-center-decommissioning/