Put your old gadgets to good use...

Rebecca Wilson, passionate about recycling across South Yorkshire
Rebecca Wilson
4 Jan 2022

Chances are you have a few unused gadgets in your home just gathering dust- in fact studies estimate that there are 40 million unused tech devices in UK homes!  

From games console to phones, laptops and tablets, there is ways we can reuse these gadgets.

 

Here are our top tips on what to do with yours:

Technology pile including playstation controllers, Apple Macbook, Ipad, Nintendo switch, Nintendo DS, mobile phones, laptops

IF YOUR GADGETS ARE IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION…

 

1. PASS THEM ONTO FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS

Very self-explanatory. You never know if someone you know can put your old gadgets to good use.

 

2. DONATE THEM TO A GOOD CAUSE

Here are some great organisations that repurposes your old gadgets for good causes:

  • Hubbub Community Calling in partnership with O2, a donation project that sees old smartphones data-wiped, cleaned and gifted with free credit to owners who would otherwise not have internet access.  (www.hubbub.org.uk/communitycalling)
  • The Great British Tech appeal run by Vodafone supported by Barnardos passes on old phones and tablets to young people giving them six months of unlimited data. (www.vodafone.co.uk/techappeal)
  • Laptop for all-  Laptops for All aims to increase access to learning, enterprise and communication for people of all ages across South Yorkshire. They facilitate the donation, secure erasure and distribution of used digital equipment from individuals and business across the region (https://www.ltfk.co.uk/laptops-for-all)
  • Get Well Games is a UK charity that passes on games consoles and games to children’s hospitals (www.getwellgamers.org.uk)

 

You might also be able to donate them to your local charity shop. Be sure to call ahead and check that they accept electrical items before you take them in.

 

3. SELL THEM
You can sell them online via sites like eBay, Gumtree and Facebook market place or at second hand electronic stores.

Please remember to include any chargers you have when you pass them on/ donate them/ sell them.

 

 

 

IF YOUR GADGET IS NOT WORKING ANYMORE…

 

1. SELL THEM / TRADE THEM IN

They can be sold as spares and repairs.

Some electronic retailers also have trade in schemes, where broken gadgets are sent straight for recycling.

 

2. REPAIR THEM 

Either yourself or at a repair shop.

If it still has a warranty, it might be worth contacting the manufacturer.

 

3. RECYCLE THEM

Electrical devices contain batteries, which can be hazardous if disposed of incorrectly. Tech devices also contain valuable precious metals that become lost when not disposed of correctly.

Please make sure you recycle them at the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) where they can be put in the correct bin for recycling.

For more information and to find out about electronic waste recycling near you, check out the Recycle your electricals website: www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk

 

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