Quick answer
To recycle servers and network equipment safely: back up and migrate what you need, wipe or physically destroy every drive, export or erase device configurations, disconnect UPS batteries carefully, and use a recycler with certified downstream partners. Servers, racks, switches, routers, phone systems, UPS units and UPS batteries are all accepted for pick up.
Retiring a server room or upgrading your network leaves behind heavy, data-rich equipment that can’t go in a dumpster. Here’s how IT teams can recycle it securely and responsibly.
What counts as IT equipment for recycling
- Servers (rack, tower and blade) and server racks
- Mainframe and midrange systems
- Storage arrays and disk shelves
- Networking gear: switches, routers, firewalls, wireless access points
- Telecommunications equipment and phone systems
- UPS units and UPS batteries
- Power supplies, cabling and wiring
All of these are on our accepted items list.
Step 1: Migrate and back up
Before anything is unplugged, confirm workloads and data have been migrated, backups are verified, and nothing still depends on the equipment (DNS, licensing servers, old file shares).
Step 2: Handle every drive
Servers and storage arrays can hold dozens of drives each, often with your most sensitive data: databases, email, file shares and backups.
- Reusing hardware? Wipe and verify using a recognized method, such as one that follows NIST SP 800-88.
- Retiring it? Physical destruction is the most certain option, and it works on failed drives and SSDs too.
We offer hard drive destruction with secure handling and a documented chain of custody, and on written request we provide a Letter of Responsibility for Destruction.
Step 3: Clear network device configurations
Switches, routers and firewalls store configs, passwords, VPN keys and network maps.
- Export and save any configuration you still need
- Remove the device from monitoring and management systems
- Factory-reset the device, or include it for destruction
Step 4: Treat UPS batteries carefully
UPS units contain lead-acid or lithium batteries. When undamaged, they’re safe to move:
- Power down and disconnect UPS units properly
- Don’t stack heavy items on battery modules
- Tell us about any swollen, cracked or leaking batteries before pick up
Note: we accept UPS batteries and batteries, but not wet cell batteries.
Step 5: Update your records
Mark everything as retired in your asset inventory, cancel support contracts and licenses, and file your letter of destruction with the asset list for audits.
Step 6: Schedule the pick up
Tell us roughly how much equipment you have (for example, “2 racks, 8 servers, 6 switches, 3 UPS units”) and how accessible it is. Server equipment usually has recoverable value, which helps keep your pick up free as long as we cover our costs. Hard drive shredding is an additional fee.
Everything we collect goes to four R2-certified recyclers. (Why R2 matters.)
Decommissioning a server room in Greater Philadelphia? Request a pick up and we’ll reply within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Do network switches and routers hold sensitive data?
They can store configurations, passwords, VPN details and network maps. Reset them to factory settings or have them destroyed, and keep a copy of any configuration you still need.
Can you take server racks?
Yes, servers and server racks are accepted. Tell us how many and whether they’re on wheels or bolted down.
Are UPS batteries safe to transport?
Most UPS units use sealed lead-acid or lithium batteries that are safe to move when undamaged. Let us know about any swollen, cracked or leaking batteries before pick up.
Do you destroy drives from storage arrays?
Yes. Ask about hard drive destruction. On written request we provide a Letter of Responsibility for Destruction.
Sources
- NIST Special Publication 800-88: Guidelines for Media Sanitization, National Institute of Standards and Technology
- Used Household Batteries, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Certified Electronics Recyclers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Written by The E-Waste Haul Away Team
We pick up unwanted computers and electronics from businesses and schools across Greater Philadelphia and make sure they're recycled responsibly through R2-certified partners, with secure handling for anything that holds data. About us
