It just occurred to me that there is a solution to the tax write down part of this issue. As always, it comes down to making greed work for you. It will take a while to implement as it requires legislation, but keep the greed thing in mind.
The problem is the government doesn't want to see its tax revenue damaged by companies writing down the value of equipment, and then benefiting from that "zero value" asset. So instead of requiring destruction, make it a crime to destroy it - require it to be sold with proceeds going to the government. New revenue is always attractive to government so this has a real chance of flying.
We will benefit because the gear won't be destroyed, and likely will be relatively low cost. The only losers are the TE makers who will have a slightly smaller market for new gear. But only slightly because there are few of us ogling these discarded items who can afford the new stuff.