Efficient Computing

Step 4: Sustainable Server Retirement

Our commitment to a sustainable computing infrastructure includes a reuse and recycling plan for electronic equipment that has reached the end of its functional life.  We have worked hard to ensure that 100% of the servers we retire are either reused or recycled. In comparison, the EPA estimates a large majority of U.S. electronic waste ends up in landfills or storage, with only 18% of the equipment retired in 2006 being reused or recycled.

We believe that reuse is an important part of the solution, and we're proud to say that 68% of our retired server material is re-purposed.  Redeploying existing machines saves raw materials, energy, and carbon dioxide emissions by avoiding the manufacture and distribution of new equipment.  Many of the systems that can't be upgraded or re-manufactured for continued use at Google are sold or donated to organizations in need of computing equipment.

 

While we design our servers to maximize functional life, there are residual components that are more difficult to reuse. So what happens to these components? Google's global program provides an environmentally-friendly method to recycle this type of material. Approved vendors must commit to socially responsible labor practices and a zero tolerance policy for e-waste to landfills, incineration, or export to developing countries. We are committed to the sustainable management of our computing infrastructure throughout the entire lifecycle of each machine.

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