Data Centers Can Achieve +97% Waste Diversion
Overview:
Locations: Virginia, Nevada, Nebraska, Ohio, North Carolina - USA
Number of Sites Audited: Five
Facility Size: 73,206,250 Sq. ft.
Typology: Data Centers
Consultant: All About Waste
Time Range of Audits: 2023
Key Findings:
Total Waste Generated: 22,026 lbs.
Current Diversion Rate: 42.3%
Potential Diversion Rate: 97.8%
Contamination Rate: 55.6%
Production operations are a key area of focus as they generated over 92% of all waste at the sites.
Nearly all materials (99%) from production operations have the potential to be reused or recycled, though most are currently being landfilled.
There is a significant opportunity to improve waste diversion of office waste to 82.7%, mostly by diverting organic wastes (i.e. food and paper towels).
Sustainability Goals:
Zero Waste to Landfill goal
What We Delivered:
Zero Waste Audits to Improve Characterization of Waste Streams: Conducted comprehensive waste stream analyses, including material characterization and contamination assessment for each site.
Audit Reports: Produced site-specific reports, featuring key metrics, visuals, charts, actionable recommendations, and evaluations of diversion performance.
Targeted Recommendations: Provided customized strategies to increase each site’s waste diversion rate, and by extension the overall waste diversion rate of the client’s estate within the US.
Zero Waste Practices In Place:
Material Reuse Programs: Wood pallets, plastic pallets, and honeycomb cardboard are collected and repurposed for reuse during data center operations.
Recycling Initiatives: Scrap metal (including metal fuse boxes) and corrugated cardboard are consistently captured and diverted for recycling.
Cardboard Baling: Some sites use cardboard balers to compact materials, improving recycling efficiency and saving space on loading docks.
Food Waste Composting: A food waste tracking and composting program is being implemented to reduce organic waste and ensure proper disposal.
Sustainable Kitchenware & Waste Sorting: Durable, reusable kitchenware is prioritized in cafeterias, and all sites feature centralized, color-coded waste sorting stations to improve source separation and reduce contamination.
Summary:
All About Waste conducted waste audits across five data center locations in the U.S., evaluating the effectiveness of current waste management practices. We found that the client built a strong foundation, with many sites already implementing effective recycling and reuse initiatives—especially in production areas. However, differences in site operations reveal an opportunity to further standardize zero waste practices and enhance vendor alignment. With a solid baseline in place, the next step is to establish a unified zero waste roadmap to drive consistency, improve diversion rates, and support the client’s broader sustainability goals.