Dismantling Data Centers: Care with Racks, Cables, and Circular Economy in Recycling

Introduction

The dismantling of data centers requires special attention to the care of racks, cables, and the application of circular economy practices to ensure sustainability and legal compliance. Proper management of the data center's physical components, especially metal racks and cabling infrastructure, as well as the appropriate disposal of recyclable materials, is essential to minimize environmental impacts and increase reuse efficiency.

Technical Care with Racks during Dismantling

Racks are fundamental structures for organizing equipment in data centers. During the dismantling process, it is essential to verify the structural integrity of the racks to ensure they can be reused or recycled. The dismantling must be carried out in accordance with technical standards, avoiding damage that could compromise the reuse of the steel or aluminum that makes up the structure, according to the provisions of Law No. 12,305/2010, which establishes the National Solid Waste Policy (planalto.gov.br).

Management and Disposal of Cables and Wires

Cables and wires used in data centers typically contain copper, aluminum, and insulating materials that require careful separation for recycling. According to CONAMA Resolution No. 401/2008, segregation and proper treatment of electronic waste are essential to avoid environmental contamination (mma.gov.br).

Performing dismantling while preserving the integrity of the cables enables the reuse of metals, contributing to the circular economy and preventing improper disposal. For specialized collection of electronic waste, scheduling on reliable websites such as Electronic Waste Collection is recommended, ensuring the proper destination of these materials.

Security in the Disposal of Storage Media

The disposal of storage media, such as hard drives (HDs), must be carried out with rigorous criteria to guarantee information security. Physical and logical sanitization techniques are recommended to eliminate any residual data, preserving the confidentiality of sensitive information, in accordance with Decree No. 10,222/2020, which regulates information security in the public sector (planalto.gov.br).

For this purpose, specialized services can be contracted through platforms offering secure sanitization scheduling, such as Secure HD Disposal.

Circular Economy Applied to Component Recycling

The circular economy in the scope of data center dismantling focuses on maximizing reuse, recycling, and valorization of materials. According to the National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12,305/2010), reverse logistics is a strategic tool to ensure that waste returns to the production cycle.

The reuse of metals derived from racks and cables reduces the extraction of virgin raw materials, decreasing the environmental footprint associated with the sector. Furthermore, the proper treatment of waste, preventing soil and water contamination, aligns with CETESB regulations (cetesb.sp.gov.br), assigning responsibility to managers regarding environmental management.

Conclusion

The dismantling and recycling of data centers require a multi-dimensional approach focused on security, technical, and environmental aspects. Compliance with legal standards ensures fulfillment of legal obligations, while the application of the circular economy strengthens sustainable practices in the sector. The use of specialized services for the collection and secure sanitization of electronic components enhances the effectiveness and reliability of the processes.