From Servers to Smartphones: What Can You Recycle in San Jose?

At NXT Step Recycling, we know how fast technology evolves, what’s top-of-the-line today could be sitting in your storage room tomorrow. If you’re in San Jose and wondering what exactly can be recycled when it comes to IT equipment, you’re in the right place.



We specialize in IT asset recycling in San Jose, and we’re here to break down exactly what you can (and should) recycle from bulky servers to your everyday smartphones.

Why IT Asset Recycling Matters

Recycling isn’t just about being environmentally responsible, it’s also about data security, compliance, and making room for innovation. In a tech-heavy city like San Jose, properly disposing of outdated IT assets is crucial for everyone from startups to enterprise-level data centers.



Here’s what IT asset recycling does for you:

• Prevents sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands
• Helps you stay compliant with HIPAA, FACTA, and other regulations
• Diverts e-waste from landfills
• Frees up storage and workspace
• Supports a circular economy by giving parts a second life

The Most Common IT Assets You Can Recycle

Servers & Data Center Equipment

Have old rack servers gathering dust in a back room? We’ll take them. Servers are high-value recycling items because they contain reusable components, copper wiring, and other recoverable metals. Whether you’re upgrading your infrastructure or decommissioning an entire data center, we can help with secure pickup, asset tracking, and certified destruction.

Recycleable components include:

• Rack-mounted servers
• Power distribution units (PDUs)
• Networking switches and routers
• Server racks and blades
• Storage arrays
  
  

Laptops & Desktops

Whether you’re upgrading your team to newer devices or clearing out unused inventory, we’ll securely recycle all types of computers. Even broken ones.

We ensure:

• Hard drives are wiped or destroyed
• Components are sorted for proper recycling
• Certificates of Destruction are provided upon request
  
  

Smartphones & Tablets

Your employees’ mobile devices might be small, but they pack a lot of personal and company data. Old iPhones, Androids, iPads, and tablets should never go into a junk drawer or worse, the trash.

At NXT Step Recycling, we securely destroy data and recycle internal components, including:

• Screens
• Batteries (lithium-ion)
• Circuit boards
• Cameras and sensors
  
  

Printers, Scanners & Fax Machines

Still have a fax machine lying around? We’ll take it. Many offices in San Jose have outdated peripherals just sitting there collecting dust. These devices can be recycled too.

What we accept:

• Laser and inkjet printers
• All-in-one printers
• Standalone scanners
• Fax machines
• Toner and ink cartridges (new and unused)
  
  

Networking Equipment

From old modems to outdated VoIP phones, networking gear tends to pile up quickly during an office refresh or relocation. Good news: we recycle it all.



Examples include:

• Modems and routers
• Switches and hubs
• Ethernet cabling
• IP phones and conference systems
  

Specialty Electronics We Also Accept

Some items aren’t used every day but still fall under the IT asset umbrella and yes, we recycle them too.

• Security Cameras & Surveillance Systems

Office security systems get upgrades, too. When it’s time to dispose of old CCTV or smart surveillance systems, we’ll ensure they’re securely and responsibly recycled.

• Gaming Consoles & Developer Hardware

Are you a developer with test consoles or legacy systems? We also recycle gaming hardware, including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, and related accessories.

• Batteries & Power Supplies

From UPS backup units to laptop batteries, we take most rechargeable batteries (but not alkaline). Lithium-ion batteries are processed separately in accordance with safety protocols.

What About Software & Hard Drives?

We don’t just recycle physical assets, we handle data, too.

• Hard Drive Shredding: For physical destruction, we offer onsite or offsite shredding of HDDs and SSDs.
• Data Wiping: We use industry-standard, NIST-compliant data sanitization to ensure no data is recoverable.
• Certificates of Destruction: Available for compliance and audit purposes.
  

How the Process Works in San Jose

Recycling your IT assets with us is as easy as it gets. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Schedule a Pickup

Contact us via phone or fill out our online form. We’ll confirm what items you need recycled and schedule a convenient time for pickup.

Step 2: Asset Collection

Our team comes to your location (anywhere in San Jose) to collect your IT assets. We provide documentation, asset tags (if needed), and chain-of-custody tracking.

Step 3: Secure Processing

Assets are sorted, data is destroyed, and everything is processed in our R2-certified facility.

Step 4: Certificates & Reporting

You receive a certificate of recycling and/or destruction, so you have full documentation for your records and compliance audits.

FAQs About What You Can Recycle

• Can I drop off electronics myself?

Yes! We offer a free e-waste drop-off at our San Jose location. Check our website for accepted items and business hours.

• Do you recycle personal electronics too?

Absolutely. While we specialize in business IT recycling, we also help residents responsibly recycle old electronics.



• Do I need to erase my devices first?

We’ll take care of that. All data-bearing devices are wiped or shredded in compliance with national standards.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're refreshing your office gear, clearing out a storage unit, or retiring your data center, NXT Step Recycling is your trusted partner for IT asset recycling in San Jose. We make it secure, simple, and sustainable so you can focus on moving forward, not managing outdated tech.



Need help recycling your IT equipment?
Call us today or book a pickup online.