Partnering with metals recycling company Urban Miners, telecommunications firm Colt Technology Services rolled out a pilot scheme to recycle decommissioned synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) equipment nodes, IT hardware used to transfer data.

The strategy is focused on recovering valuable materials, reducing the need for mining of new raw materials and minimising environmental impact. It included the implementation of reverse manufacturing processes and by deconstructing and analysing equipment, Colt separated recyclable and reusable materials, which ensured minimal disruption to its business operations.

"Understanding and reducing the impact of digital infrastructure on the environment are critical priorities for IT leaders. At Colt, we have a responsibility to take action and drive lasting change," said Caroline Griffin Pain, chief legal officer at Colt. "Partnering with Urban Miners helps Colt and our customers on our journeys to net zero."

The scheme has been piloted in Sweden, with the aim to expand it to Colt's other European locations. That pilot saw 99.4% of equipment, 8.7 metric tonnes, reused or recycled while an estimated 19 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions was avoided along with the mining of 102 metric tonnes of various virgin materials, including iron, coal, bauxite, copper, limestone, and chrome. This estimate is based on the assumption of 100% efficiency in processes and a 10% margin of error should be considered.

The pilot project aimed to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of recycling old equipment and to generate accurate data for enhancing Colt's environmental sustainability efforts.

Last year the initiative was expanded to Germany with sites in Berlin, Hamburg and Hannover included in the recycling project, taking the total materials avoided mining to 493.8 metric tonnes. Further projects are now planned at multiple sites in Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the UK.

One Sustainable Company Awards judge described it as a "positive initiative".