Secure Data Center Decommissioning & On-Site Hard Drive Shredding
WALTER completed a secure data center decommissioning for Client, including on-site hard drive shredding, serialized asset tracking, R2v3-compliant recycling, and full chain-of-custody reporting with zero downtime.
The Problem
The client required a secure data center decommissioning as part of a facility infrastructure upgrade. The project involved removing aging server infrastructure while ensuring that no sensitive data-bearing devices ever left the secure facility perimeter. The client required: - On-site destruction of all hard drives - Serialized asset-level traceability - Continuous chain of custody - Witnessed destruction procedures - Audit-ready compliance documentation - Zero disruption to ongoing data center operations Because of the sensitive nature of the infrastructure, the project demanded a partner capable of combining secure IT asset disposition, compliance execution, and environmental stewardship within a live operational environment.
Project Scope
- Materials / Assets
- 70 rack-mounted servers and network switches 217 hard drives (data-bearing devices) Electrical infrastructure and cabling Associated server hardware requiring secure disposition
- Locations
- New York
- Timeline
- 2 days (0 downtime)
IT Asset Disposition
Execution
- Systematically unwired, removed, and processed 70 rack-mounted servers and network switches while maintaining secure handling procedures throughout the operation. Removed, scanned, and segregated all 217 hard drives according to on-site security protocols.
- Barcode scanned every device with serial-level traceability to maintain a continuous and auditable chain of custody from rack removal through final disposition. Real-time inventory reconciliation ensured full visibility and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
- Deployed a mobile shredding unit directly inside the secure facility perimeter to eliminate off-site data exposure risks. All hard drives were shredded in compliance with NIST 800-88 and R2v3 standards, with Certificates of Destruction generated for all serialized assets.
- Conducted witnessed destruction procedures with facility management and security personnel observing all shredding activities. Performed live reconciliation of destruction logs against serialized inventory records and issued witness affidavit documentation for audit-ready compliance verification.
- Processed all remaining infrastructure, cabling, and electronic equipment through R2v3-certified downstream recycling partners, achieving zero landfill diversion and providing sustainability reporting for environmental impact tracking.
Results
Diversion Rate
100%
CO₂e Avoided
6.8 metric tons
Method: EPA WARM
Space Recovered
Full data center
Actual Timeline
2 days
Weight by Stream
- 4,800 lbs
- 620 lbs
- 1,150 lbs
- Electronics 730 lbs
Documents Issued
- Certificate of Destruction
- Serialized Asset Inventory Report
- Chain-of-Custody Documentation
- Witness Affidavit Documentation
- Sustainability & Recycling Impact Report
- R2v3 Compliance Reporting