Residents urged to donate unwanted tech in bid to tackle digital poverty

New drop off points for unwanted technology devices have been unveiled across Southwark in a council’s bid to tackle digital poverty.

Southwark council partnered up with waste management company Veolia, and Community TechAid (CTA) charity for the new initiative.

The donation points are located at all 12 Southwark libraries and the Reuse and Recycling Centre.

Councillor James McAsh, Cabinet Member for Clean Air, Streets and Waste said: “It’s a great opportunity to promote the circular economy, tackle the issue of electronic waste and help those most in need.”

Residents are urged to donate their unwanted laptops, smartphones and tablets which will then be collected by Veolia to be assessed, repaired, and donated across the borough by CTA.

Any devices that can’t be repaired will be recycled. 

CTA based in Brixton Road, Brixton, is a volunteer led charity that works to help bridge the digital divide by collecting unwanted devices for members of the community who would not otherwise be able to buy them.

Cat Smith, chief executive at CTA said: “By donating unused devices, residents are not only reducing e-waste but also providing vital tools for those in need. Community TechAid is thrilled to be part of a project that empowers individuals and connects communities.”

According to Southwark council there are about 4million unused electrical items hidden away in draws in the borough homes. Across the borough 39 per cent of people bin electricals, rather than recycle or reuse them. 

This is one of over 40 UK projects funded by Material Focus, the not-for-profit leading the Recycle Your Electricals campaign, who have provided £32,000 to support this project. 

Recycle Your Electricals research shows that on average there are at least 30 unused electricals in each home across the UK, a total of 880million items.

Matthew Crane, regional manager at Veolia Southwark said: “This initiative extends the life cycle of electronic devices, reducing e-waste and its environmental impact. 

“By encouraging residents to donate their unwanted devices, we are fostering a culture of reuse and recycling to create a more sustainable future.” 

Pictured top: Community TechAid volunteer repairs a damaged device (Picture: CTA)