The Fujitsu PRIMERGY RX2540 M5 decommissioning and recycling process is a critical step in managing end-of-life IT assets. This 2U rack server, manufactured by Fujitsu from 2018 to 2023, weighs 27.5 kg and includes up to 12 storage devices such as SATA SSDs, SAS HDDs, and NVMe drives. Proper decommissioning ensures compliance with legal requirements while promoting environmental sustainability through responsible recycling practices.
This guide outlines the essential steps for safely disposing of the Fujitsu PRIMERGY RX2540 M5: data destruction to meet NIST SP 800-88 Rev. 1 standards, deciding between refurbishment and scrap recovery, maximizing material recovery during the scrapping process, and selecting an appropriate ITAD vendor. Each phase is crucial for ensuring that the server’s components are handled responsibly and securely.
on
- ISO 14001 environmental management
- WEEE-registered (EU/UK) or state EPR-registered (US)
Typical vendor decommissioning cost (per unit, including data destruction): $40-100 USD.
Major ITAD vendors:
- Iron Mountain
- Restore Datashred
- SK tes (Stanley Industrial Asset Disposition)
- Atlantix
- Sims Recycling Solutions
- Stone Group (UK)
- ERI Direct (US)
- Sage Sustainable Electronics
Compliance note
ECCN classification for export controls: data sanitisation standard Purge or Destroy on internal storage; check with manufacturer for current ECCN designation if exporting refurbished units
Sources
- Fujitsu EOL documentation
- NIST SP 800-88 Rev. 1 Guidelines for Media Sanitization
- R2v3 Standard for Responsible Recycling
- LME spot prices for steel, aluminium, copper
Current secondary market (2026)
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Server | Fujitsu PRIMERGY RX2540 M5 |
| Vendor | Fujitsu |
| Released | 2019 |
| Form factor | 2U rackmount |
| Max CPU | 2× Intel Xeon Scalable Gen 1/2 |
| Max RAM | 3 TB DDR4 |
| Storage bays | 24× 2.5" or 12× 3.5" |
| PSU options | Dual 800W/1600W |
| Fully-configured resale (USD) | $420-$1,100 |
| Empty chassis resale (USD) | $220-$380 |
| Scrap recovery value | $28-$50 |
| Last verified | 2026-05-20 |
Status: Strong in EU enterprise market. Smaller secondary market in US.
Parts-out vs whole-system resale
Many decommissioned servers fetch more in parts than as a complete unit, because individual CPUs/RAM/SSDs trade in a more liquid commodity market. Current 2026 parts pricing for the Fujitsu PRIMERGY RX2540 M5:
| Component | Secondary market price (USD) |
|---|
| Xeon Gold 6248R | $160-$260 |
| RAM 64GB DDR4 | $120-$180 |
| PRAID EP-540i | $120-$200 |
Decision framework: if the sum of parts pricing exceeds whole-system resale by >25%, parts-out is the more profitable route. Adds ~4-8 hours of labour per server but typically lifts net recovery 30-60%.
Data destruction requirements before resale
Per data sanitisation standard Rev 1, any data-bearing media leaving your premises must be sanitised before transfer to a third party. For a server like the Fujitsu PRIMERGY RX2540 M5:
- SSDs / NVMe drives: cryptographic erase (TCG Opal / IEEE 1667 ATA Secure Erase Enhanced) or physical destruction. Software overwrite alone is INSUFFICIENT for SSDs.
- HDDs: software overwrite per NIST 800-88 Clear (single pass + verify) is sufficient for non-regulated data. Use Blancco Drive Eraser or KillDisk.
- Tape backups: degauss with NSA-approved degausser, or physical shred.
- NVRAM / iDRAC / BMC firmware: factory reset via management console. Most server BMCs store IPMI credentials in NVRAM - must be cleared.
- TPM chip: clear via BIOS reset to factory defaults.
For regulated data (PCI, HIPAA, GDPR special category, FFIEC), physical destruction of the drive is the only universally-defensible method. See our Hard Drive Destruction Cost Calculator.
R2v3 / e-Stewards-certified ITAD providers
The 5 main certified ITAD providers handling enterprise server decommissioning in 2026:
For volume above 25 servers, use our free B2B ITAD quote service to get matched to 3 vetted providers in 1 business day. Typical decommissioning cost: $35-$80 per 1U server, $50-$120 per 2U, $80-$180 per 4U - usually offset by recovered hardware value above $500.
Tax depreciation + write-off (US)
For US businesses retiring the Fujitsu PRIMERGY RX2540 M5:
- Section 179 deduction: servers placed in service after 2017 can be expensed up to $1,160,000 (2024 limit) in the year placed in service. Most enterprise servers fully expensed by year-end deployed.
- Bonus depreciation: 60% in 2024, 40% in 2025, 20% in 2026 (phasing out per TCJA). Apply on top of Section 179.
- Decommissioning loss: book value at retirement date is the residual basis. If sold for less than book value, the difference is an ordinary loss (Form 4797).
- Trade-in vs sale: trade-in to vendor (Dell/HPE/Cisco buy-back) is typically a Section 1031 like-kind exchange - no immediate tax event. Sale to third party triggers Section 1231 gain/loss.
UK businesses use Annual Investment Allowance (£1M/year) or Writing Down Allowances (18% per year, 6% from 2024 for special-rate pool).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Fujitsu PRIMERGY RX2540 M5 worth refurbishing in 2026?
Strong in EU enterprise market. Smaller secondary market in US. For owners considering refurb vs scrap, the test is: residual book value + parts-out resale vs cost of refurb (typically $200-$600 per server including PSU swap, drive replacement, RAM testing). If positive, refurbish.
What's the typical decommissioning timeline?
For a 10-100 server decommissioning project: 2-4 weeks. Data sanitisation: 1-3 days per batch of 20. Physical removal + packing: 1 day per rack. ITAD pickup: scheduled 5-10 days after sanitisation complete. Settlement (cash payout or invoice for net cost): 14-30 days after pickup.
Can I sell direct to refurbishers without going through an ITAD?
Yes for non-regulated data + non-warranty equipment. Major buyer networks: ServerSchool (Telegram), Server Industries (UK), TheServerStore.com, ServersDirect. Get 3+ quotes - spreads of 30-60% are common. Always require certified data destruction certificate even when selling direct.
What's the carbon footprint impact of recycling vs landfill?
Per the GHG Protocol Scope 3 Category 5 (Waste Generated in Operations), recycling a 2U server saves approximately 1.4 tonnes CO2e vs landfill (offsetting the manufacturing emissions of the replacement). See E-Waste Carbon Footprint Calculator for project-specific calculations.
Do I need to notify regulators about server decommissioning?
In most jurisdictions, no - but if you process EU citizen data, GDPR Article 30 requires you to record the destruction in your Records of Processing Activities (ROPA). US FFIEC + HIPAA covered entities must maintain a Certificate of Data Destruction for 6+ years. For UK businesses, the ICO's Data Sharing Code requires evidence of secure disposal of any personal-data-bearing equipment.
Related guides
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Data verified against Iron Mountain + ERI + Sims Lifecycle Services published 2026 rates, and secondary-market broker pricing on ServerSchool, TheServerStore, and TBT-Lab. Server prices fluctuate weekly - always verify current quote before transacting. Operated by Defining Style Limited (UK Companies House 10572391, ICO Registration ZA711914).
