Storage arrays are centralized systems that hold multiple hard drives or solid-state drives and provide storage to servers and other enterprise systems.
As organizations upgrade infrastructure, increase storage capacity, move to newer systems, or decommission data centers, older storage arrays eventually need to be retired. These systems can contain data-bearing drives, circuit boards, power supplies, cooling components, cabling, and metal housings that require proper handling at end of life.
If you’re retiring storage equipment as part of a larger infrastructure project, learn more about EACR’s data center decommissioning services.
What is a Storage Array?
A storage array is a dedicated system that combines multiple drives into one centralized storage platform.
Instead of keeping all data directly inside individual servers, organizations can use storage arrays to provide shared storage across multiple systems. Depending on the setup, an array may contain HDDs, SSDs, or a combination of both.
Storage arrays are commonly built with redundant components so they can continue operating if a drive, controller, power supply, or other component fails.
Storage Array vs. Server Storage
The main difference is where the storage is located.
- Server storage is installed directly inside an individual server.
- Storage arrays are separate systems that provide centralized storage to multiple servers or other systems.
Where Are Storage Arrays Used?
Storage arrays are commonly used in environments that need large amounts of centralized, reliable, or shared storage.
Common examples include:
- Data centers
- Corporate IT environments
- Healthcare systems
- Financial institutions
- Schools and universities
- Government organizations
They may be used to support databases, virtual machines, backups, applications, file storage, and other business-critical systems.
What Are Storage Arrays Made Of?
A storage array contains several different types of electronic and mechanical components. The exact configuration depends on the manufacturer and model, but most systems include the following.
Hard Drives and SSDs
The drives are the primary data-bearing components inside the array.
Storage arrays may contain:
- Hard disk drives
- Solid-state drives
- A combination of HDDs and SSDs
Because these drives can contain business or organizational data, data handling should be addressed before the system is reused or recycled.
Storage Controllers and Circuit Boards
Storage controllers manage communication between the drives and the servers or systems accessing the array.
The unit may also contain several printed circuit boards, including:
- Controller boards
- Drive backplanes
- Network interfaces
- Power-related electronics
These components help manage storage, connectivity, and overall system operation.
Power Supplies and Cooling Fans
Enterprise storage arrays often use redundant power supplies so the system can continue operating if one unit fails.
Cooling fans are also used to remove heat generated by drives, controllers, and other electronics.
Larger systems may contain multiple power and cooling modules throughout the chassis.
Networking and Connectivity Hardware
Storage arrays need dedicated hardware to communicate with servers and networks.
Depending on the system, this may include:
- Ethernet connections
- Fibre Channel connections
- SAS connections
- Network interfaces
- Host connectivity hardware
- Internal cabling
These components allow data to move between the storage array and the systems using it.
Metal Chassis and Internal Hardware
All of these components are mounted inside a structural enclosure.
The chassis may include:
- Steel or aluminum housing
- Drive bays
- Mounting brackets
- Rack rails
- Wiring
- Connectors
- Internal frames and supports
The metal housing provides structure while allowing drives, power supplies, controllers, and other components to be installed and removed as needed.
Why Storage Arrays Are Retired
Storage arrays are typically retired when they no longer meet an organization’s operational, capacity, or infrastructure needs.
Common reasons include:
- Hardware refreshes
- Increasing storage requirements
- Migration to newer infrastructure
- HDD-to-SSD or flash upgrades
- Data center consolidation
- Cloud migration
- Equipment failure
- End of manufacturer support
- Data center decommissioning
In many cases, the system may still contain dozens of data-bearing drives when it is removed from service. That makes it important to account for both the physical equipment and the data stored on it before deciding how the array should be handled. As AI-driven data center growth accelerates hardware replacement cycles, see how expanding infrastructure could contribute to a much larger wave of AI hardware e-waste.
How to Prepare a Storage Array for Recycling
Before a storage array is removed, it helps to document the equipment and determine how any data-bearing media will be handled.
1. Identify the Equipment
Start by recording the basic details of the system.
Include:
- Manufacturer
- Model
- Number of storage units
- Number of drives
- Expansion shelves
For larger projects, it can also help to note where each unit is installed and whether it is still mounted in a rack.
2. Identify Data-Bearing Media
Determine what types of storage media are inside the array.
This may include:
- HDDs
- SSDs
- Cache storage
- Other removable or integrated storage media
Knowing what is present helps determine the next steps for data handling.
3. Determine Data Destruction Requirements
Before the system is reused or recycled, decide how the data-bearing media should be handled.
Requirements may vary based on the organization, the type of data involved, and internal IT policies.
Options may include data wiping or physical destruction of the drives.
Learn more about EACR’s Data Destruction services.
4. Disconnect and Inventory Related Equipment
Storage arrays are often connected to other data center equipment.
Make note of any related hardware being removed, including:
- Servers
- Server racks
- Network switches
- UPS equipment
- PDUs
- Cabling
- Expansion shelves
Including related equipment in the same inventory can make a larger removal project easier to plan.
5. Arrange Pickup or Transportation
Storage arrays can be heavy, rack-mounted systems.
Depending on the size of the project, equipment may need to be:
- Removed from racks
- Palletized
- Loaded with a lift gate
- Transported by box truck or larger commercial vehicle
Providing equipment quantities and site-access details in advance helps determine the appropriate pickup method.
Storage Array Recycling Options
The right option depends on the condition of the equipment and whether it still has a practical use.
Reuse
A functional storage array may be suitable for continued use if it still meets operational needs.
Data-bearing media should be handled according to the organization’s requirements before the system is transferred or reused.
Component Reuse
Even when an entire array is no longer needed, some components may still be functional.
These can include:
- Drives
- Storage controllers
- Power supplies
- Expansion modules
Whether components are suitable for reuse depends on their age, condition, compatibility, and demand.
Electronics Recycling
Storage arrays that are no longer suitable for reuse can enter an electronics recycling process.
The equipment contains several different material and component types, including data-bearing drives, circuit boards, wiring, power supplies, cooling hardware, and metal housings.
What Happens During Storage Array Recycling?
Once a storage array enters the recycling process, the system can be handled in stages based on its components and data requirements.
Equipment Is Received and Sorted
Storage arrays are identified and separated from other equipment included in the project.
A larger data center load may also contain servers, networking hardware, racks, batteries, cables, and other electronics.
Data-Bearing Components Are Identified
HDDs, SSDs, and other storage media are identified before further processing.
How those components are handled depends on the data requirements established for the project.
Components Are Separated
A storage array can contain several component groups, including:
- Hard drives and SSDs
- Circuit boards
- Storage controllers
- Power supplies
- Cooling fans
- Cabling
- Metal chassis
Separating these components allows them to be handled according to their material type and function.
Materials Enter Appropriate Recycling Streams
After separation, components and materials move into the appropriate downstream processing streams.
Storage Arrays and Data Center Decommissioning
Storage arrays are often only one part of a larger data center removal project.
Other equipment may include:
- Servers
- Server racks
- Network switches
- Routers
- UPS systems
- PDUs
- Cabling
- Expansion shelves
EACR can coordinate the removal of storage systems and related infrastructure as part of a larger data center decommissioning project.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storage Array Recycling
Can storage arrays be recycled?
Yes. Storage arrays contain drives, circuit boards, power supplies, wiring, cooling components, and metal housings that can be handled through an electronics recycling process.
Do storage arrays contain sensitive data?
They can. HDDs, SSDs, and other storage media inside the array may still contain business, customer, or operational data.
Should drives be removed before recycling?
Not always. Whether drives should be removed depends on the organization’s data destruction requirements and how the recycling project is being handled.
Can HDD and SSD storage arrays both be recycled?
Yes. Storage arrays containing hard disk drives, solid-state drives, or a combination of both can be included in a recycling project.
What other equipment can be recycled with a storage array?
Servers, network switches, routers, racks, UPS equipment, PDUs, cabling, and expansion shelves can often be handled as part of the same project.
How are data-bearing drives handled?
HDDs, SSDs, and other storage media are identified and handled according to the project’s data destruction requirements before final recycling.
Can EACR pick up storage arrays from a business or data center?
Yes. Storage arrays can be included in commercial electronics recycling pickups or larger data center decommissioning projects.
