♻️ What happens to old servers and electronic waste (e-waste)?

One legitimate environmental concern associated with data centers is the disposal of retired servers, networking equipment, batteries, and other electronic components. Like any technology-based industry, data centers periodically replace equipment as technology advances and hardware reaches the end of its useful life.

The good news is that responsible e-waste management is already a well-established practice throughout the technology industry.

Are old servers simply thrown away?

No. Modern data center operators typically follow strict procedures for handling retired equipment. Depending on the condition and age of the equipment, hardware may be:

• Refurbished and resold;
• Reused within other facilities;
• Donated to educational institutions or nonprofit organizations;
• Recycled through certified electronic waste recyclers;
• Securely destroyed when required for data security reasons.

Many components, including metals, wiring, and electronic materials, can be recovered and reused rather than sent to landfills.

Could Linn Valley require responsible e-waste management?

Yes. Under the proposed TAI Overlay District, the City could consider requirements such as:

• An Electronic Waste Management Plan;
• Use of certified recycling providers;
• Documentation of equipment disposal practices;
• Compliance with recognized industry recycling standards;
• Reporting on recycled, reused, or refurbished equipment.

These types of requirements help ensure that electronic equipment is managed responsibly throughout the life of the facility.

What about donations to schools and nonprofits?

While the City may not be able to require all retired equipment to be donated, the City could encourage operators to prioritize reuse whenever practical and consistent with security requirements.

In many communities, technology companies support local schools and nonprofits through equipment donations, STEM programs, scholarships, workforce development initiatives, and technology grants.

Why is this important?

Responsible e-waste management helps:

• Reduce landfill waste;
• Recover valuable materials for reuse;
• Minimize environmental impacts;
• Support community organizations through reuse opportunities;
• Promote sustainable technology practices.

As Linn Valley evaluates potential future development opportunities, responsible environmental stewardship — including electronic waste management — would remain an important consideration in the review process.

Bottom line

Electronic waste is a real issue that deserves thoughtful planning. Unlike many misconceptions about data centers, e-waste is a tangible concern with proven solutions. Through proper recycling, reuse, refurbishment, and responsible disposal practices, data centers can manage retired equipment in a way that protects both the environment and the community.