What Hazardous Materials Are Found in a Data Center?

01     RCRA 101 for Data Centers

07     Compliance Checklist for Facility Teams

Georgia is quickly becoming one of the nation’s hottest data center markets with the Metro Atlanta area consistently in the top five in the country for data center growth in recent years. Developers and investors are pouring billions into new facilities, with construction sites doubling in capacity every six months since 2023.

Data center hazardous waste doesn’t make big headlines like the construction of new data centers does, but for facility managers and data center engineers, it’s an area that cannot be overlooked. 

While data centers are often associated with rows of servers and flashing lights, the reality is they house a surprising number of hazardous materials. Batteries, refrigerants, cleaning chemicals, and specialized fire suppression systems all create compliance challenges. As the number of facilities in Georgia grows, so does the need for specialized hazardous waste management, making it particularly important for data professionals to understand this aspect of data center maintenance. Below is an introduction to the key hazardous material considerations  commonly associated with data centers and just some of what you need to know to stay compliant.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is the federal law that governs the handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous waste. Under RCRA, any company that generates hazardous waste carries what is known as cradle to grave responsibility. That means from the moment a waste material is generated until its final treatment or disposal, the generator remains legally responsible for how it is managed.

For data centers, this responsibility can apply to a wide range of materials. Lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, coolants, solvents, and certain e-waste components may all fall under RCRA hazardous waste rules. This makes it all the more important to work with the right waste management service, because even after the waste leaves a data center and is in the possession of a contractor, any type of liability for mismanagement can still be traced back to the facility operator.

Understanding which materials qualify as hazardous, universal waste, or regulated e-waste is critical for compliance. Proper labeling, accumulation time limits, manifesting, and vendor selection are all part of meeting RCRA obligations. In a fast-growing market like Atlanta, where dozens of new data centers are being built, consistent compliance practices are essential to avoid fines, delays, or reputational damage.

02   /   Batteries and UPS Systems

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems are the backbone of every data center. UPS systems ensure that servers and equipment remain operational during power fluctuations or outages. These systems rely heavily on batteries, which also happen to be one of the most significant hazardous waste streams in a facility.

Lead-acid batteries:

These types of batteries are still common in large UPS banks. They contain sulfuric acid and lead, both of which are regulated under RCRA. Improper handling can cause leaks, spills, or worker exposure. When spent, these batteries must be managed under universal waste rules or through an authorized recycling program.

Lithium-ion batteries:

These batteries are increasingly replacing lead-acid due to their smaller footprint and longer lifespan. However, they pose their own risks, which include thermal runaway and fire hazards if damaged. End-of-life lithium-ion batteries are subject to DOT shipping requirements and must be packaged, labeled, and transported carefully to prevent accidents.

Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries:

While not as common in modern centers, some legacy data centers may still use this variety of battery. Nickel-cadmium presents additional disposal challenges due to cadmium’s high toxicity. These batteries should never be treated as general e-waste but instead routed through a certified hazardous waste or battery recycling program.

For compliance, facilities should:

Given the scale of UPS systems in large facilities, data center battery disposal can quickly become one of the largest ongoing compliance obligations for these businesses.

Coolants and Refrigerants

We all have experienced the heat from a laptop or desktop computer. Similarly, data centers generate heat, but on an enormous scale, compared to personal devices. Maintaining precise temperature and humidity levels is mission-critical. To achieve this, facilities rely on CRAC (Computer Room Air Conditioning) units, chillers, and other HVAC systems that use large volumes of refrigerants.

Common refrigerants in data centers include R-410A and R-134a, both of which are regulated under the Clean Air Act. While not classified as hazardous waste under RCRA, these substances are controlled due to their potential to harm the environment if released. Facilities must comply with EPA Section 608 requirements, which mandate:

Improperly managing refrigerants can result in costly violations. In addition to compliance risks, the loss of refrigerant gases reduces cooling efficiency, driving up operational costs and energy use.

It’s also important for facilities to maintain strict inventory control of cylinders. Empty or partially full cylinders must be stored securely, labeled, and eventually returned or disposed of through a licensed program.

As more data centers come online in Georgia, the volume of refrigerant use will only increase. Planning for end-of-life recovery and compliant disposal is essential for both regulatory adherence and environmental responsibility.

03   /   E-Waste and IT Equipment Disposal

When people think of hazardous waste in a data center, batteries and refrigerants usually come to mind first. But the IT hardware itself also represents a regulated waste stream when it reaches end of life. These items include:

Circuit boards and power supplies contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. Legacy equipment may also include CRTs, mercury switches, or fluorescent backlights, all of which require specialized handling. Simply discarding old servers or monitors as general scrap is a compliance risk that should be avoided. This is where the guidance of a full-service waste management team can help to answer questions and prevent accidental non-compliance.

For modern facilities, asset disposition programs are just as important as environmental compliance. Data-bearing devices like hard drives and SSDs must go through secure destruction or certified wiping to protect sensitive information. Partnering with a recycler that is certified under R2 or e-Stewards standards ensures not only environmental compliance but also protection against illegal export and data breaches.

Best practices for data centers include:

AI workloads are driving higher compute needs, accelerating equipment refresh cycles. This means that the volume of e-waste will continue to grow. Data centers can prepare by planning ahead for compliant IT equipment disposal to reduce risk, control costs, and protect their brand reputation.

04   /   Cleaning Chemicals and Fire Suppression Agents

Beyond industry-specific materials, data centers also rely on everyday facility consumables and safety systems that can introduce hazardous materials into the waste stream. Cleaning and maintenance chemicals are a common example. Solvents, isopropyl alcohol, degreasers, adhesives, and floor treatments are frequently used to keep sensitive environments clean and equipment free from dust buildup. Many of these products are flammable, corrosive, or otherwise regulated. Improper disposal (such as pouring them down drains or mixing them with general trash) can create both compliance and safety risks. Facilities should maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all products, store them in approved containers, and provide training on proper handling and spill response.

Fire suppression systems add another layer of complexity. Data centers often use agents like FM-200, Novec 1230, CO2, or inert gas blends. While these substances are designed to protect equipment without damaging it, they require strict management. Cylinders must be inspected, hydrostatically tested, and eventually refilled or properly decommissioned. Legacy systems may even contain Halon, a substance now phased out under the Montreal Protocol but still encountered in older facilities. Mismanagement of suppression agents can result in environmental releases, regulatory penalties, or safety hazards for staff.

By treating cleaning chemicals and suppression agents as regulated materials rather than everyday consumables, data centers can avoid costly mistakes and maintain full compliance with environmental and occupational safety standards.

05   /   Diesel, Oils, and Water Treatment Chemicals

Most large data centers operate as critical infrastructure, which means they cannot afford downtime. To ensure continuous operations, facilities typically maintain backup diesel generators with on-site fuel storage. Diesel fuel is a regulated substance, which means it must be stored in double-walled tanks or containment systems. Leaks or spills can trigger reporting requirements under federal Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rules. In addition, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and lubricating oils from generators must be managed as part of a regulated waste program.

Used oils are another waste stream that requires careful handling. They must be segregated from other hazardous wastes, stored in properly labeled containers, and either recycled or disposed of through approved vendors. Mixing used oil with solvents or other chemicals can instantly change its classification and increase disposal costs.

Cooling towers and chiller systems also generate water treatment wastes. Biocides, corrosion inhibitors, and descaling agents are often required to keep systems operating efficiently. Many of these chemicals are hazardous if released into the environment. Blowdown water, glycol loops, and sludge from filtration systems must be tested and disposed of according to RCRA or local discharge regulations.

For data centers in Georgia, where power demands and cooling needs are especially high, managing fuel, oil, and treatment chemicals responsibly is not just about compliance. It also protects local water resources and reduces the risk of costly environmental incidents.

06   /   Georgia and Atlanta Data Center Hazardous Waste Considerations

Metro Atlanta has become one of the fastest-growing data center hubs in the United States. With dozens more new facilities planned for the next few years, the volume of regulated waste streams in Georgia is expected to rise significantly.

For facility managers, this growth presents both opportunities and challenges. More vendors may enter the market, but not all will have the expertise or permits to manage the diverse range of hazardous materials found in a data center. Georgia facilities must comply not only with federal RCRA rules but also with state-specific requirements that govern universal waste, used oil, refrigerant recovery, and stormwater discharge.

Transportation is another factor. Facilities located in metro Atlanta benefit from access to major routes and disposal infrastructure, which can keep costs manageable. More remote sites may face higher transportation charges and limited scheduling options if vendors lack nearby service hubs.

Working with a local, full-service provider ensures that materials such as batteries, refrigerants, solvents, and e-waste are managed consistently and compliantly. It also helps facility teams stay ahead of changing regulations as Georgia continues to adapt its policies to match the rapid pace of data center development.

07   /   Compliance Checklist for Facility Teams

With so many different hazardous and regulated waste streams present in a data center, compliance requires consistent attention to detail. Facility managers and IT asset professionals can use the following checklist as a starting point:

Universal Waste Management

Refrigerant Handling

Hazardous Waste Documentation

E-Waste and IT Assets

Spill Prevention and Storage

Training and Audits

By integrating these practices into daily operations, data centers can reduce compliance risks, control costs, and maintain smooth operations even as facilities scale up to meet demand.

08   /   Selecting a Data Center Hazardous Waste Partner in Georgia

Managing hazardous waste in a data center requires more than ad-hoc pickups. It calls for a partner with expertise across multiple streams, including the know-how to dispose of batteries, e-waste, refrigerants, chemicals, oils, and water treatment byproducts. A reliable provider will bring the right permits, certifications, and infrastructure to handle these materials safely and in full compliance with both RCRA and Georgia regulations.

MCF Environmental Services offers a full-service solution for data centers across Atlanta and the Southeast. With over 30 years of hazardous waste management experience, MCF supports facilities with battery recycling programs, secure IT asset disposition, refrigerant recovery, chemical handling, and compliant transportation. 

The MCF team takes it one step further, being a trusted partner in your data center’s safety and success. From the start we can advise on best practices and field questions as your business evolves. We work hard to bring you cost-effective solutions that provide smart solutions without ever sacrificing compliance.

Data centers will continue to expand across Georgia and to stay competitive, your business needs to work with a trusted local provider. MCF Environmental is here to help keep costs in check, streamline logistics, and keep your operation audit-ready. 

Contact MCF Environmental Services today to schedule a consultation. We can build a customized waste management program for your data center.

09   /   FAQs About Data Center Hazardous Waste

What hazardous materials are most common in data centers?

The biggest and most common data center waste concerns are batteries (lead-acid and lithium-ion), refrigerants in cooling systems, IT e-waste containing heavy metals, cleaning chemicals, and fire suppression agents.

How should data centers handle battery disposal?

Lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries must be stored in labeled containers and recycled through a licensed vendor. They cannot be discarded as general waste due to RCRA and DOT regulations.

Do IT equipment and servers count as hazardous waste?

Yes, many components contain metals like lead, cadmium, or mercury. End-of-life IT equipment should be managed through certified e-waste recyclers who can also provide secure data destruction.