Server recycling at WMG Waste eRecycling covers single rack servers, full racks, storage arrays and complete data center decommissions. We collect the hardware, destroy or wipe every drive under a documented chain of custody, resell enterprise equipment that still has value and recycle the remainder through WEEELABEX certified recycling. Each drive and chassis is logged by serial number.

Why is decommissioning servers different from recycling office PCs?

Scale and density. One storage array can hold dozens of drives, and a single rack can contain years of databases, backups, virtual machines and email archives. Drives in RAID sets store fragments of data across many disks, so every disk counts, including spares and hot-swap units lying on a shelf.

Servers are also heavy, and a decommission usually has to fit around migration deadlines and access rules in a data center. Planning matters as much as the recycling itself.

How does a WMG server decommission work step by step?

• Scope. You tell us what is in scope: number of servers, racks, storage systems and loose drives, and whether drives may leave your premises before destruction. We reply to quote requests within 24 hours.
• Drive handling. Drives are wiped with NIST 800-88 compliant methods or shredded and crushed. If your policy requires it, this is done on-site so no data-bearing media leaves your building intact.
• Collection. Standard pickups are scheduled within 3 to 5 business days, urgent ones within 24 to 48 hours depending on location. An itemized receipt lists what left your site.
• Tracking. Every item is followed from collection to final processing, with serial numbers recorded along the way.
• Remarketing and recycling. Servers, storage and components with resale value are refurbished and sold, and the proceeds are returned to you. The rest is recycled, recovering up to 95% of materials.

Read how our on-site data destruction works if drives must be destroyed before they leave your premises.

Is there resale value in decommissioned servers?

Enterprise hardware often has a longer second life than people expect. Processors, memory, drive caddies and complete recent-generation servers can all find buyers after secure erasure. Our server buyback page explains how returned proceeds are handled.

What evidence do you get for audits?

A certificate of data destruction for every drive, logged by serial number, plus the collection receipt and a final recycling report. That set supports both GDPR and WEEE compliance audits and gives your security team a clear record per asset.

Planning a data center exit or hardware refresh? Request a free quote and share your inventory list.