Tech amnesty gathers a tonne of devices for reuse

A technology amnesty has collected a staggering 1.1 tonnes of unwanted devices, helping to reduce electronic waste and provide refurbished tech to those in need.

The initiative, run by charity DonateIT and Somerset Council's FIXY project, highlights the importance of reusing technology rather than discarding it.

The charity's latest event at Frome Town Hall saw the donation of 153 phones, 113 laptops, 60 tablets, 20 PC towers and more than 200kg of cables and chargers.

DonateIT founder Simon Barfoot said he was amazed by the response and added that an extra van was needed to take the donations to be reused or recycled.

"There were over 400 devices just sitting in drawers, cupboards and attics but they all have value in the community," Mr Barfoot said.

"People are desperate for communication, connectivity and digital inclusion so it is an absolute godsend to get these through the data-wiping and refurb process and back into the hands of those who need them".

As well as supporting digital inclusion, the project plays a key role in the UK's circular economy.

"Smartphones contain around 40 rare earth metals and minerals - some with incredibly strange names," Mr Barfoot said.

"We have solutions for everything.

"Gold-bearing devices go to the Royal Mint in Wales where they are turned into jewellery and sold abroad, copper is refined and reintroduced into the global copper market.

"If we can't reuse something, it gets recycled so the environment benefits too."

Mr Barfoot added that all devices undergo industry-standard data destruction before being repurposed.

Councillor Anne Hills, who attended the amnesty, emphasised the benefits of making technology accessible to more people.

"The DonateIT and FIXY teams do such a brilliant job," she said.

"The environmental benefit of reusing tech devices is obvious but it's more than saving waste.

"We know that many people in our town feel excluded or priced out from the digital world or they can't afford to replace tech they found really useful.

"Getting a repurposed smartphone or tablet opens up opportunities and really can change lives."

Following the success of this event, DonateIT has announced another amnesty on Sunday 8 June, during Great Big Green Week.

For more details or to find out how to donate visit DonateIT's website.

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