Data Center Decommissioning Checklist
Phase 1: Planning & Preparation
Define project scope, goals, and success criteria
Assign a project manager and team roles
Create a detailed project timeline and budget
Review contractual obligations with vendors, clients, and landlords
Perform a risk assessment and develop contingency plans
Obtain necessary permits, approvals, and insurance coverage
Schedule security and access protocols for decommissioning personnel
Phase 2: Inventory & Documentation
Conduct a full asset inventory (servers, storage, networking, cabling, power, HVAC, etc.)
Document serial numbers, rack locations, and ownership
Identify equipment for redeployment, resale, recycling, or disposal
Record software licenses, warranties, and support contracts
Map power, cooling, and network infrastructure connections
Update floor plans and rack elevation diagrams
Phase 3: Data & Security
Backup and migrate all critical data to new systems or locations
Verify successful migration with integrity checks
Wipe or destroy storage media per compliance (DoD, NIST, HIPAA, GDPR, etc.)
Shred, degauss, or certify destruction of drives and tapes as needed
Revoke user and administrator access credentials
Remove sensitive labeling or asset tags
Phase 4: Equipment Decommissioning
Power down servers, storage, and networking equipment in controlled sequence
Disconnect and label power, network, and fiber connections
Remove servers, storage arrays, switches, and routers from racks
Decommission UPS, rectifiers, batteries, and generators safely
Drain and dispose of cooling fluids if applicable
Remove CRAC/CRAH units and related HVAC equipment
Extract PDUs, circuit breakers, and cabling
Phase 5: Asset Recovery & Disposition
Determine which equipment is redeployed, resold, or recycled
Engage certified e-waste recycling partners for disposal
Secure chain of custody documentation for all assets removed
Generate certificates of destruction/recycling for compliance
Return leased equipment to vendors with proper documentation
Phase 6: Site Restoration
Remove all abandoned cabling (per NEC and local codes)
Patch and seal floor penetrations, walls, and ceilings
Remove racks, cages, and raised floor tiles if required
Restore HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems to building standards
Clean and prepare space for handover or repurposing
Phase 7: Post-Decommissioning
Conduct final walkthrough with stakeholders
Verify completion of asset tracking, data destruction, and compliance reports
Collect and archive all project documentation
Close out vendor contracts and settle outstanding invoices
Hold a lessons-learned meeting for continuous improvement
