Data Centre Relocation & Decommissioning: What Businesses Need to Know in 2025

In 2025, data centre management is no longer just a technical challenge — it’s a compliance, sustainability, and risk issue. As organisations embrace cloud migration, hybrid environments, and remote infrastructure, many are consolidating or closing legacy data centres to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

But decommissioning or relocating these environments is far more complex than simply moving equipment from one site to another. It involves managing sensitive data, environmental obligations, and valuable hardware — all while maintaining business continuity.

Astralis Technology specialises in secure, compliant, and sustainable data centre decommissioning. Our experts manage every aspect — from data sanitisation and logistics to resale and recycling — helping clients reduce risk, recover value, and meet environmental targets.

For most organisations, data centre relocation or closure is part of a wider IT transformation strategy. The shift toward cloud and hybrid models means businesses are reassessing physical infrastructure, power consumption, and space utilisation.

A structured decommissioning process supports this evolution by:

Handled correctly, decommissioning is not just the end of a lifecycle — it’s an opportunity to optimise the next phase of your IT strategy.

A data centre move or closure requires more than physical relocation — it demands security, compliance, and precision.

The right partner will:

Astralis approaches every project with meticulous attention to process control, documentation, and verification — ensuring security and transparency from start to finish.

Residual data remains recoverable from drives and network equipment even after formatting. Without proper sanitisation, sensitive corporate or client data could be exposed, leading to fines and reputational damage. Astralis mitigates this through tamper-evident seals, secure transport, and the use of certified data erasure tools that comply with NIST 800-88 Rev. 1 and IEEE 2883-2022, producing verifiable audit logs for every device processed.

When thousands of items move simultaneously, untracked hardware can easily go missing. Astralis prevents this with detailed asset reconciliation, serial number tracking, and digital chain-of-custody reporting — giving you full visibility at every stage.

A poorly planned decommissioning project can lead to unplanned outages and business disruption. Our project teams work closely with client IT leads to develop risk-mitigated schedules and phased changeovers that ensure minimal downtime.

Failing to meet regulatory requirements (e.g. WEEE, GDPR, ISO 14001) can result in penalties. Astralis guarantees compliance through rigorous auditing, qualified staff, and full documentation — all available for review on request.

IT hardware requires specialist handling — not general freight movers. Using unqualified providers increases the risk of data breaches and asset loss.

Data sanitisation and certification take time. Many organisations overlook the verification process, causing project delays and compliance gaps.

Value recovery is maximised when resale planning begins before decommissioning starts. Astralis’ three-tiered model — Essential, Enhanced, and Elite — enables early assessment and optimised value return.

Sending hardware directly to recyclers or landfills is both environmentally and reputationally damaging. Astralis ensures reuse and redeployment take priority, with final recycling handled ethically through audited downstream partners.

Every successful project starts with a detailed onsite audit. Astralis identifies all assets, dependencies, and potential risks before any equipment is moved. This assessment underpins project plans, RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statements), and compliance documentation.

Astralis uses certified data erasure software and physical destruction methods that fully sanitise media in accordance with NIST 800-88 Rev. 1 and IEEE 2883-2022. Where erasure isn’t viable, shredding is performed, and Certificates of Destruction or Erasure are uploaded via our client portal or emailed directly.

All hardware is de-racked, packed, and transported by Astralis personnel in our own GPS-tracked vehicles. Operations are carried out at our secure Essex facility featuring covered loading bays, a fenced yard, and Paxton-controlled entry systems — ensuring security and efficiency throughout.

Assets are tested, graded, and categorised using our Essential, Enhanced, and Elite model. This structured approach ensures every viable component is reused or resold, maximising financial and environmental value.

Hardware that cannot be reused is processed responsibly. Astralis partners with The Royal Mint, who extract precious metals from non-data-bearing circuit boards — reducing the need for mining and lessening environmental impact.

Astralis operates under the highest standards of quality, security, and sustainability, including:

All downstream suppliers are audited annually to ensure compliance with WEEE, GDPR, and environmental legislation. Extensive process flows, work instructions, and audit trails are available for review upon request — ensuring full transparency.

Data centre shutdowns are a key opportunity to reduce environmental impact and accelerate sustainability progress.

Astralis helps organisations achieve measurable results by:

Our approach ensures every asset is handled with environmental responsibility — contributing to a lower carbon footprint and measurable ESG outcomes.

Choosing the right partner delivers tangible benefits beyond compliance:

Astralis’ processes are built around integrity, professionalism, and accountability — ensuring that every project, regardless of scale, is delivered to the highest possible standard.

Data centre relocation and decommissioning in 2025 present significant opportunities for organisations to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and meet compliance standards. By partnering with experts like Astralis Technology, businesses can ensure secure data management, environmental responsibility, and financial recovery throughout the process. Embracing a structured approach not only mitigates risks but also supports sustainability goals and operational excellence. Discover how our tailored solutions can transform your IT strategy – contact us today.

Data centre decommissioning offers several advantages for businesses, including cost savings through the removal of redundant assets, enhanced operational efficiency, and improved compliance with environmental regulations. By securely managing the decommissioning process, companies can recover value from their hardware through resale or recycling, which also supports sustainability goals. Additionally, a well-executed decommissioning strategy minimizes risks associated with data exposure and operational downtime, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined IT infrastructure.

To ensure data security during decommissioning, businesses should partner with specialists who follow strict protocols for data sanitization and destruction. This includes using certified data erasure tools compliant with standards like NIST 800-88 Rev. 1. Maintaining a complete chain of custody and obtaining Certificates of Data Erasure or Destruction are also crucial. Regular audits and documentation throughout the process help verify compliance and provide peace of mind that sensitive information is handled securely.

Environmental responsibility is a critical aspect of data centre decommissioning. Companies are increasingly held accountable for their environmental impact, and decommissioning provides an opportunity to prioritize sustainable practices. This includes maximizing the reuse and resale of hardware, responsibly recycling non-viable components, and partnering with certified recyclers. By adopting a circular economy approach, businesses can reduce waste, recover valuable materials, and contribute to their overall sustainability goals, enhancing their corporate social responsibility profile.

Common challenges during data centre relocation include data exposure during transit, asset loss, unexpected downtime, and non-compliance with regulations. Without proper planning and execution, sensitive data can be at risk, and hardware may go missing. Additionally, poorly managed projects can lead to significant operational disruptions. To mitigate these risks, organizations should engage experienced partners who can provide detailed planning, secure transport, and compliance assurance throughout the relocation process.

Partnering with a specialist like Astralis offers numerous benefits, including expertise in secure data management, compliance with regulatory standards, and a structured approach to decommissioning. Astralis provides comprehensive services that encompass data sanitization, asset recovery, and environmental responsibility. Their meticulous processes ensure minimal downtime and full visibility throughout the project, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations while achieving financial recovery and sustainability goals.

When planning a data centre decommissioning project, organizations should consider several factors, including the timeline for data sanitization, the need for compliance with regulations, and the potential for asset recovery. Engaging a qualified partner early in the process can help identify risks and develop a structured plan. Additionally, businesses should assess their environmental responsibilities and prioritize reuse and recycling to minimize waste and enhance their sustainability efforts.