Global ITAD & data center
decommissioning capabilities
from a single-source solution

As organizations modernize their IT landscapes, large-scale data center decommissioning has become a critical—but complex—undertaking. This blog explores the challenges, best practices, and real-world lessons for managing decommissioning projects at scale, ensuring security, compliance, and operational continuity throughout the process.

Across today’s global ITAD, data center decommissioning, and e-waste management landscape, standards are more than compliance checkboxes, they’re the foundation of trust. For organizations that rely on partners to manage their data-bearing IT equipment, protect their brand reputation, and ensure responsible end-of-life handling, standards provide confidence that operations are safe, transparent, and consistent across every region.

Many data centers are accelerating refresh cycles, regulators are tightening reporting and reuse rules, and boards are asking for verifiable sustainability outcomes. For hyperscale, regional, and local data center operators, the result is clear: IT asset disposition (ITAD) has moved from facilities-based task to strategic function. Below are seven developments shaping the ITAD landscape now, compared to last year, along with practical actions you can take to prepare for the IT landscape in 2026. SK Tes has positioned its global operational network and multi-national decommissioning programs to be the partner of choice for complex IT refreshes, data center exits, and returns programs. 7 Trends for ITAD and Data Center Decommissioning in 2026 1. AI adoption is compressing data center refresh cycles 2. Reuse-first strategies gain regulatory tailwinds 3. ESG reporting is no longer optional for some companies – and neither is the broader sustainability disclosure CSRD demands 4. Data Security by design and zero-trust programs 5. Battery circularity is accelerating alongside data center growth 6. Media sanitization standards continue to tighten 7. Net zero commitments push carbon-accountable ITAD