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Server recycling – A guide for businesses

Updated on 14 December 2023

If you are thinking of selling your server, you want to make sure that the data on it is properly destroyed and the rest is recycled. There are many risks associated with server recycling, so it’s important to choose a company that you can trust. In this guide, we will discuss the process of server decommissioning and how to choose a data disposal company. We’ll also answer some common questions about server recycling.

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What is a server?

A server is a computer that stores and serves data to other computers on a network. You are reading this article on our website, this article is stored on a server and is being served to your device, the client. When you decommission a server, you’re essentially taking it out of service and destroying all the data that it stores.

Servers are usually located in data centres, which are large facilities that house many servers. When a server is no longer needed, it can be recycled.

Moorepay logo Cutting edge payroll software
  • Powerful and easy to use
  • HMRC & RTI compliant
  • Used by payroll pros
Pipedrive logo The CRM platform to grow your business
  • Great for entrepreneurs
  • Powerful data analytics
  • Manage sales and data
Wix logo Powerful web builder and advanced business tools
  • Great for startups
  • Powerful web page builder
  • E-commerce available
Planable logo Supercharged content planning
  • Great for marketing
  • Better than lists or sheets
  • Manage social media
Webador logo Create a new website in 10 minutes. Easy.
  • Launch your website fast
  • Powerful data intuitive
  • No coding skills needed

Why recycle a server?

There are several reasons why you might want to recycle a server. Maybe your business is upgrading to new hardware and you don’t need the old server anymore. Or maybe you’re moving to a new data centre and you don’t have space for the server at your new location.

Recycling servers also means less waste goes into landfills. When a server is recycled, the metal and plastic components can be reused to create new products. You may also be able to recoup some of the cost of the server by selling it to a recycling company.

Could you extend a server’s life by repurposing it?

Yes, in some cases you can repurpose an old server. For example, you might be able to use it as a test server for new software. Or you could use it as a file server for storing data that doesn’t need to be accessed often. However, in most cases it’s best to recycle the server so that all the data can be properly destroyed.

How to keep your data safe when recycling a server

When you recycle a server, you need to make sure that all the data on the server is destroyed. Otherwise, someone could find the server and access your data. The best way to destroy data on a server is to use a data destruction company. These companies will sanitise the data so that it can’t be accessed.

Perhaps you want to recoup some of the cost of the server by selling it yourself. In this case, you need to make sure that you wipe all the data from the server before you sell it. This is no easy task and could leave your open to data breaches. We recommend using a data destruction company to destroy the data on the server before you sell it.

Risks of using bad data disposal companies.

There are many risks associated with server recycling, so it’s important to choose a reputable data destruction company. Some companies sell your servers on without properly destroying the data. This leaves you open to data breaches and could damage your reputation.

Other companies claim to recycle servers, however they sell them to developing countries where they end up in landfill. This is bad for the environment and means that your data could still be accessed.

How to choose a data disposal company

When choosing a data disposal company, there are a few things you should look for. Make sure you choose a data destruction company that is R2 or NAID AAA certified. This certification guarantees that your server will be properly recycled and the data on it will not be recoverable.

Destruction companies have an in depth knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) policies and regulations. Make sure they have good reviews and provide a service that meets your requirements.

The Cost of Server Recycling

The costs involve can be broken down into three categories:

  1. Removal and collection – Removal and collection of the server can be a costly process, especially if you need to hire a truck to transport the server to a data destruction company. Some data disposal companies offer free removal and collection, while others charge a fee. Make sure you ask the company what their policy is before you hire them.
  2. Recycling the server expand – This involves recovering metals and other materials from the server. This is often done by hand and can be a time-consuming process. The metals are then sold to recycling companies who melt them down and use them to create new products
  3. Data destruction – This is the most important part of server recycling and is also the most expensive. Data destruction companies use specialised equipment to destroy data on servers. This includes crushing the server, shredding it, or using a degausser to erase the data.

Conclusion

Server recycling is a process that businesses need to be aware of. By recycling servers, businesses can protect themselves from data breaches, recoup some of the cost of the server, and help the environment. Make sure you choose a reputable data destruction company to recycle your server and keep your data safe.

FAQs of server recycling

What is server recycling?

Server recycling is the process of destroying data on a server and then recycling the server. This is done to protect businesses from data breaches and to help the environment.

Why recycle servers?

There are many reasons why businesses should recycle servers. By recycling servers, businesses can protect themselves from data breaches, recoup some of the cost of the server, and help the environment.

How do I recycle my server?

The best way to recycle your server is to use a data destruction company. Data destruction companies use specialised equipment to destroy data on servers. This includes crushing the server, shredding it, or using a degausser to erase the data.

What to look for in a company when recycling my server?

There are many risks associated with server recycling, so it’s important to choose a reputable data destruction company. Some companies sell your servers on without properly destroying the data. This leaves you open to data breaches and could damage your reputation.

Other companies claim to recycle servers, however they sell them to developing countries where they end up in landfill. This is bad for the environment and means that your data could still be accessed.

Make sure you choose a data destruction company that is R2 or NAID AAA certified. This certification guarantees that your server will be properly recycled and the data on it will not be recoverable.

What are the costs of server recycling?

The costs of server recycling can be broken down into three categories:
– Removal and collection
– Recycling the server expand
– Data destruction

How can I find a server recycling company?

There are many server recycling companies to choose from. Make sure you choose a reputable data destruction company that is NAID AAA or R2 certified. This certification guarantees that your server will be properly recycled and the data on it will not be recoverable.

Reviewed by , Managing Director

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