E-waste for good: Inside Datacom's recycling initiative

• Datacom’s DARS program offers a secure, transparent, and certified end-to-end process for disposing of IT assets responsibly.

• The initiative not only prioritises data security and landfill diversion but also gives technology a second life through community partnerships.

• By aligning with ESG goals, DARS helps businesses meet sustainability targets while generating cost savings and measurable social impact.

Despite generating approximately 80,000 tonnes of electronic waste annually, New Zealand recycles less than 2% of it, with the vast majority ending up in landfills. This low recycling rate underscores the pressing need for effective e-waste management solutions.

At Datacom, we're committed to addressing this challenge through our Asset Recovery Services (DARS). Our program offers secure, transparent, and environmentally responsible asset recovery processes, helping businesses dispose of IT assets in a manner that aligns with both Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) goals and operational efficiency.

At the heart of our asset recovery approach is a structured, step-by-step lifecycle that prioritises security, transparency, and sustainability.

1. Asset list and valuation
It starts when customers email a list of retired or surplus equipment to Datacom. Based on details like make, model, and condition, the team provides an initial valuation quote.

Once the quote is approved, Datacom handles the secure pickup using GPS-tracked vehicles, tamper-proof tagging, and digital handover documentation to maintain full chain-of-custody compliance.

2. Secure logistics and processing
Devices are sent to one of Datacom’s R2V3-certified facilities, where they are individually logged, assessed, and prepared for their next phase.

3. Grading, wiping and responsible disposal
Every item goes through detailed cosmetic and functionality testing, and is graded for either reuse, resale, donation, or recycling. Data is wiped using NIST 800-88r1 military-grade sanitisation, and certificates of data destruction are issued for full peace of mind. For equipment beyond repair, Datacom ensures it is dismantled and 100% responsibly recycled, with zero landfill as the goal.

Technology that’s still in working order doesn’t just disappear, it’s often given new life through community partnerships. Datacom works with organisations like Zeal, which refurbishes donated laptops for digital education programmes in West Auckland.

“Datacom takes care of the time-consuming data wiping and prep, which allows us to focus on refurbishing,” says Zeal Digital Technician, Hezekiah Young. “It’s a huge help.”

Zeal’s lead tech tutor, Ben Hulme, adds: “Our students learn how to fix devices themselves, and they graduate with a working laptop they can take home. That changes lives.”

Zeal’s Project Manager Chris Foster-Winder says: “It’s not just transactional. Datacom genuinely cares about the impact their support is having on our young people.”

Through DARS, Datacom diverts e-waste from landfill, with full downstream recycling visibility. Devices that can’t be reused are sent through certified recycling streams that comply with international standards.

The program is designed to support sustainability reporting and provide measurable contributions toward carbon reduction, circular economy practices, and financial return on depreciated assets.

As pressure grows on organisations to deliver sustainable outcomes, Datacom's DARS program is helping businesses take real, measurable action. With secure, auditable processes and a clear commitment to reuse and recovery, we’re turning old IT assets into opportunities for cost savings, community impact, and environmental progress.