Eaton RS Rack 42U Server Rack Recycling and Scrap Recovery (2026)

Eaton RS Rack 42U: server rack recycling

Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on April 2026

The Eaton RS Rack 42U is a 42U rack weighing 130 kg - one of the largest single-piece items in any data centre decommissioning. This guide covers refurbishment, scrap recovery, and disposal logistics.

Refurbishment market

Often paired with Eaton 9PX UPS. Refurb market $200-550.

Server racks have one of the strongest refurb markets in IT hardware - the steel construction makes them durable and second-hand units are widely traded through:

• Local-market data-centre infrastructure resellers
• eBay (search "42U server rack" - typical $200-600 used)
• Direct exchange between organisations decommissioning vs commissioning

Scrap recovery breakdown

If refurbishment is not viable (damaged, customised, or no buyer), scrap value: $78-170 USD.

Material breakdown: 108 kg steel, 8 kg aluminium, 3 kg copper, 1 kg PDU electronics.

LME spot pricing context:

• Steel: ~$0.40/kg
• Aluminium: ~$2.40/kg
• Copper: ~$9.50/kg

Total recovery is steel-dominant by weight but copper-dominant by value.

Disposal logistics

The 130 kg weight requires:

• Forklift or pallet jack for movement
• Two-person team for stair / elevator transport
• Box truck or van for transport (won't fit in a typical car)

ITAD vendors handling racks at scale:

• Iron Mountain
• Restore Datashred
• Atlantix
• Sims Recycling Solutions
• ERI Direct

Typical pickup cost: $80-250 per rack including transport.

Sources

• Eaton product specifications
• LME spot prices for steel, aluminium, copper
• Data centre decommissioning industry standard practices (Uptime Institute)