Data Center Decommissioning in Washington D.C.

Professional data center decommissioning requires years of specialized experience handling:

• complex infrastructure dismantling
• secure data destruction
• environmentally responsible equipment disposal

Companies in this field must demonstrate expertise across electrical systems, mechanical components, and IT infrastructure while maintaining strict security and compliance standards. “If organizations undermine or ignore the importance of data center decommissioning and keep using outdated or obsolete equipment, you may end up losing valuable data and compromising your system,” Data Science Central states. Data Science Central emphasizes the importance of choosing an experienced company to decommission your data center.

Zero Foxtrot brings extensive experience as a one-stop solution for data center decommissioning. Our uniformed team operates as a cohesive unit, successfully managing projects of all sizes. “We focus on safely disconnecting and removing all data center parts. This includes:

• UPS systems
• transformers
• CRAH cabinets
• generators.

Our skilled team manages every part of the decommissioning process,” says Eric Wilmot, Co-Owner of Zero Foxtrot.

According to CXO Today, “This process [of data center decommissioning] needs to be completed swiftly to protect sensitive data, free up data centre space and resources, minimise disruption to the effective running of the data centre and maximise the value of retiring assets.”

Successful data center decommissioning needs careful project planning. This starts with checking out the site and ends with leaving it in good condition. The best companies create detailed schedules that cover removing equipment, protecting data, and working with everyone involved – all while keeping your business running smoothly.

Zero Foxtrot gives you one main person to work with throughout the whole process. We’ll have a clear plan from our first meeting until you do the final walkthrough with your landlord. This includes:

• Safely turning off power systems.
• Taking out equipment.
• Getting the space back to how it needs to be.

Drew Weismiller, Co-Owner and Team Lead of O&I Federal/Commercial Contracts at Zero Foxtrot, says, “Careful planning is important. It helps the team finish projects efficiently. It also ensures they meet deadlines.”

Data center decommissioning must adhere to various federal, state, and international regulations governing data privacy, environmental responsibility, and equipment disposal. This includes compliance with standards such as:

• HIPAA
• GDPR
• environmental protection guidelines

According to this LinkedIn article, “Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements is a critical aspect of data center decommissioning. Key considerations include:

• Compliance with Data Protection Laws: Ensure that data is securely destroyed to comply with laws such as GDPR, HIPAA, and others.
• Environmental Regulations: Follow regulations related to the disposal and recycling of electronic waste (e-waste).
• Industry Standards and Best Practices: Adhere to industry standards such as ISO 27001 for information security management.
• Data Breach and Security Concerns: Take measures to prevent data breaches during the decommissioning process.”

Zero Foxtrot fully complies with federal and international regulations while adhering to R2-certified recycler qualifications. “Our thorough approach ensures that all decommissioning activities meet or exceed regulations. This ensures that we protect our clients’ interests with clear compliance throughout the project,” says owner Eric Wilmot, who has over 12 years of experience owning a business.

Data security during equipment removal is very important. It needs reliable methods to destroy and confirm that all information is gone. The industry needs multiple data-wiping processes. It also requires the ability to physically destroy devices when necessary. Detailed records must be kept of how data was removed. Some of these processes include:

• File Shredder Programs
• Data Destruction Programs
• Cryptographic erasure for SSDs and encrypted devices
• Physical Destruction of Hardware

According to OSB Professional Liability Fund, “Specialized software tools permanently delete files from your computer by overwriting the information with random data. When this “data sanitization” method is used, overwritten data can never be un-deleted with a file recovery tool.”

Zero Foxtrot takes data security seriously when destroying old devices. Our trained technicians completely wipe all data using proven methods that meet industry standards. We keep very detailed records of every step in the process.

“We track everything carefully and give you certificates showing you:

• exactly what was destroyed
• how we did it
• proof that it worked,”

explains Co-Owner Drew Weismiller. These records help keep your information safe and show that you’re following the rules.

According to Yale Sustainability, “E-waste is the fastest-growing solid-waste stream in the world, but less than 25% of all electronic waste is recycled in the United States; the rest is incinerated or goes to landfills.” Responsible disposal of IT equipment requires careful attention to environmental regulations and sustainable practices. Professional decommissioning services must demonstrate proper handling of hazardous materials, recycling capabilities, and documented waste management procedures.

Zero Foxtrot disposes of old IT equipment in ways that protect the environment. As an R2-certified company, we carefully break down equipment and sort materials for recycling, such as:

• metals
• plastics
• electronic parts

We also ensure that we handle dangerous materials safely. “We work with reliable recycling partners. They help us recycle or dispose of 98% of the materials from old equipment,” says owner Eric Wilmot.

When closing a data center, much of the equipment might still be worth money. Good service providers should tell you what your equipment is worth and offer to either buy it or help you sell it. Many parts of a data center can be resold, such as:

• Enterprise-grade servers and storage systems
• Networking equipment and switches
• Power distribution units
• UPS systems and batteries
• CRAC/CRAH units
• Copper cabling and fiber optics
• Raised floor tiles and support structures

Zero Foxtrot helps maximize your return on investment through careful assessment of decommissioned equipment. Our team of specialists conducts thorough evaluations of each asset’s condition, market value, and remarketing potential.

We build strong relationships with trusted resellers and buyers in the industry. This helps us get the best value for your retired equipment. We also have a buyback program for certain equipment and furniture,” says Commercial Contract Lead Drew Weismiller.

Professional decommissioning requires specialized expertise in handling sensitive equipment and managing complex logistics. This includes:

• proper disconnection procedures
• secure packaging
• transportation planning that maintains the chain of custody throughout the process.

Zero Foxtrot expertly manages all aspects of equipment removal and transportation. Our owners, Eric Wilmot and Drew Weismiller, each have over 20 years of experience in the moving industry. “Our skilled team carefully disconnects all:

• electrical parts
• mechanical systems
• infrastructure elements

We ensure safe handling and secure transport during the decommissioning process,” says Owner Eric Wilmot.