Samsung offers free Auckland drive-through e-waste collections

Samsung Electronics New Zealand is set to hold two free drive-through e-waste collection events in Auckland this October to provide residents with an accessible way to dispose of unwanted electronics.

As electronic waste remains one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, the upcoming events offer Aucklanders a chance to responsibly discard items ranging from computers and televisions to heat pumps and whiteware, irrespective of their brand.

The e-waste collections will take place at Trusts Arena on Saturday, 11 October, and at Eden Park on Saturday, 18 October. The initiative forms part of Samsung's broader approach to sustainability, which aims to address the full lifecycle of its products. As in previous years, Samsung is working alongside Echo, New Zealand's largest e-waste disposal company, to process the collected items in an environmentally responsible manner.

"We believe that our responsibility doesn't end when a product is sold; it extends to its entire lifecycle," said Shannon Watts, Group Marketing Director at Samsung New Zealand. "These bi-annual collection events are a hands-on way for us to empower the community to make a real difference. We are committed to not only designing energy-efficient products but also providing accessible, free pathways for people to responsibly dispose of old tech and keep harmful materials out of our environment."

Eligible items for drop-off include old computers, televisions, heat pumps, whiteware, and similar electronic devices. There are some exclusions, with the collection events unable to accept CDs, DVDs, floppy disks, household and LED lightbulbs, LPG gas bottles, medical devices, glass, hazardous waste such as paint, garden waste, or general chemicals, and furniture including TV cabinets. Organisers remind participants that they are responsible for deleting any personal data from their devices prior to drop-off, as Samsung will not be liable for the removal of data or any loss thereof.

Samsung reports that its e-waste collection events held earlier this year in May resulted in 45,955 kilograms of electronic waste being diverted from landfill, and this translated to an estimated 13,179 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions avoided. The organisation is aiming to continue raising awareness around e-waste and encouraging mindful disposal practices through these October events.

Watts emphasised Samsung's aims by stating, "We are committed to not only designing energy-efficient products but also providing accessible, free pathways for people to responsibly dispose of old tech and keep harmful materials out of our environment."

The process for participants has been designed for simplicity. Auckland residents can drive up to the designated collection sites during the scheduled times and drop off their items directly from their vehicle. No prior registration is necessary, though an RSVP option is available through Facebook event pages. The Trusts Arena event is scheduled for 9am to 3pm on Saturday, 11 October, at the lower carpark accessible via Gate 3 on Central Park Drive, Henderson. The Eden Park event takes place 9am to 3pm the following Saturday, 18 October, at Carpark M with entry via Sandringham Road, Kingsland.

Samsung's collaboration with Echo ensures collected e-waste will be processed in compliance with New Zealand's environmental standards. Echo provides end-to-end e-waste recycling services, specialising in IT asset disposition and telecom decommissioning. The company operates under a transparent revenue-share model while focusing on both asset value recovery and environmental outcomes.

Samsung has made clear that the events align with a strategic focus on sustainability, integrating eco-friendly solutions throughout product development and aftercare services. The company aims to set an example not only in product design but in fostering community involvement in environmental protection through easily accessible initiatives such as these drive-through collections.

Through this continued commitment, Samsung and Echo seek to encourage more Auckland residents to consider responsible e-waste disposal, thus contributing to the reduction of landfill waste and lessening the harmful effects of improper electronics disposal.