For efficient data storage utilization and recycling, gradually degrading data according to data classes and using degrading data policies, predefined degrading rules, and data access patterns for conserving storage space prior. Each data class is associated with one of a plurality of degrading data policies, and each data policy includes a plurality of degrading rules to be applied to a corresponding data class of a corresponding data policy, the degrading rules defining data classes to be degraded based on data access patterns per data class to automatically degrade the data items according to each of the plurality of data classes until a predefined expiration date. Essential data is defined by a user such that the essential data is not subject to the data degradation so as to preserve at least a portion of files, documents, and videos comprising the essential data.