Tech-Takeback is proud to unveil our new report on the Social Value of Reuse. Funded by CIWM (The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management), our research demonstrates how keeping things in use for longer creates substantial benefits for society. In 2023/24 alone, product reuse in the resource and waste management sector generated between £120 million and £346 million in social value.

Social Value is a way of measuring the impact of an organisation or activity on people, communities and the environment. At the heart of our report is a robust set of Social Value calculations, using three established tools (TOMs, HACT and LOOP) to quantify the full impact of reuse. Each tool shines a light on different benefits, from tangible economic impacts to broader improvements in well-being, but together they paint a compelling picture of how reuse can transform communities.

Focusing on tech reuse for digital inclusion, we’ve calculated that Tech-Takeback delivered up to £19 million in Social Value last year. So, when you donate your devices to Tech-Takeback, you’re not just clearing out your cupboard. You’re also helping to:
• Create new jobs in the repair and reuse economy
• Protect your personal data through secure data erasure
• Support digital inclusion by repurposing laptops for those who need them most
• Lower household costs by ensuring access to affordable, high-quality reconditioned tech
• Boost resource security by recovering rare earth metals from outdated devices
• Cut carbon emissions by reducing the need for new manufacturing

The report also uncovers a huge untapped opportunity: around 20 million unused laptops sit in UK homes, with the potential to generate up to £44 billion in social value if repurposed.

Jodi Harford, Chief Operating Officer at Tech-Takeback, said: “Social Value isn’t just about numbers. It’s about recognising the real, positive impact of tech reuse on people’s lives. Our calculations show that every device given a second life can create jobs, reduce costs, and bridge the digital divide. By clearly quantifying these benefits, we’re helping to build a stronger case for reuse as a cornerstone of the circular economy.”

An executive summary of the report is available here. To support the sector further, Tech-Takeback has also developed an easy-to-use guide for other reuse organisations to measure and communicate their impact.

For the second year running, Canary Wharf Group has teamed up with Tech-Takeback to run an innovative tech donation bank, making it easier than ever for residents, workers, and visitors to transform their unwanted devices into community impact.

From Tuesday 18th to Thursday 20th February, head to Jubilee Place mall – next to Circle Collective – between 10am and 6pm daily, and join us in giving your old laptops, mobile phones, and tablets a new lease on life. All donated devices will undergo secure data erasure before being passed on to local community partners, helping to reduce digital exclusion in Tower Hamlets.

But that’s not all – while you’re helping to clear your cupboards, enjoy a host of in-store activities. Daily educational laptop disassembly workshops will be held to showcase the importance of tech reuse, and we'll be displaying some of the vintage or unusual tech we've collected through the years. To sweeten the deal, Ole & Steen will be giving away vouchers to donors on a first come, first served basis, and every donor will be entered into a competition for a chance to win the ultimate Clays experience for six people.

Join us in our mission to give old tech a new purpose, support digital inclusion, and make a real difference in our local community. 

We're thrilled to announce that David Greenfield, Co-Founder and Managing Director of
Tech-Takeback, has been appointed to DEFRA’s brand-new Circular Economy Taskforce. This
is fantastic news not only for us at Tech-Takeback but for the entire resource and
​wastes mangaement sector.
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The taskforce is charged with co-designing England’s first comprehensive strategy for a circular economy. Their mission is clear: to drive economic growth, create green jobs, promote efficient resource use, and accelerate the journey to net zero emissions. By identifying and assessing innovative mechanisms for a Circular Economy Strategy, the taskforce will help stimulate investment in game-changing technologies and infrastructure, bolster supply chain security, and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

As part of a diverse group of experts and industry leaders, David will bring his extensive experience in circular economy, resource management and sustainability to the table. His work at Tech-Takeback has shown firsthand how tech reuse and digital inclusion can contribute to a more circular economy, as well as creating real community benefits—from protecting data and reducing waste, to supporting digital inclusion and fostering green job growth.

We couldn’t be prouder of David’s appointment. It’s a clear vote of confidence in the transformative power of reuse and the circular economy. With his insights, we're confident that our collective efforts can help make Britain a true clean energy superpower—supporting not just economic growth but a healthier, greener future for all.

Congratulations, David! We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make in this vital role.

Tech-Takeback is proud to announce our appointment as the UK lead for United Circles, one of Europe’s most ambitious circular economy initiatives. Launched at the San Agustín Cultural Centre in Valladolid, the project aims to turn waste into valuable resources through innovative industrial-urban symbiosis.

Funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, United Circles has a total budget of €25.36 million, with over €20.5 million from EU funds. The project focuses on creating zero waste cities, cutting freshwater use by 50%, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by transforming waste into secondary raw materials. It also promotes green jobs, efficient resource use, and robust European collaboration under the EU Green Deal.
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As UK lead, Tech-Takeback will spearhead our “mirror demonstrator,” leveraging our expertise in tech reuse and digital inclusion to develop digital tools, innovative waste-to-resource routes, and governance mechanisms for Regional Circularity Hubs.
“We’re excited to drive change and show how circular economy principles can create green jobs and sustainable communities,” said David Greenfield, Managing Director at Tech-Takeback. “Our role in United Circles reinforces our commitment to reducing waste and building a more sustainable future.”

Tech-Takeback recently visited Emmaus Brighton & Hove in Portslade to run an informative ’disassembly’ workshop for Companions. During the course of the afternoon, Companions were given an introduction to the world of recycling; learnt about the term ‘circular economy’ and later on were able to see first hand the processes involved in the disassembly of an ‘end-of-life’ laptop.

Most of the attendees had never seen a laptop opened up before and were amazed to discover the range of materials that are to be found on the inside of such a device. Discussions continued as the group considered which of the components might hold the most value, which parts were easiest to reuse and the difficulties involved with recycling other components such as mixed materials, screens and plastics. 

The award was presented at the BusinessGreen Leaders Awards last week to representatives from Tech-Takeback, a local not-for-profit organisation who run the scheme in partnership with The ZeroNet. The initiative is supported by Brighton & Hove City Council and the Recycle Your Electricals campaign.

The service - the first of its kind to launch in the UK - has been operational for just under one year and was commended by judges for its on-the-ground impact and as a fantastic example of how to engage the public and drive up electrical waste recycling rates.

Through the RevaluElectricals service, Tech-Takeback collect devices such as mobile phones, computers and small appliances from the doorstep with the aim of giving these items a second life. 

Donations are securely wiped clean of data before being refurbished and prepared for re-use. With the help of local charity partners, items are re-distributed locally to those in the community who are most at need. 

With a £1,500 donation to the Level Up Laptops appeal, training and career-focussed education provider Learning People have helped to fund the refurbishment of 15 windows laptops for Coombe Road Primary School.

The Brighton company, who have been providing career ready education for 11 years with over 25,000 students worldwide, are always keen to support the local community. Patrick Aylmer, founder of Learning People is thrilled to join initiatives such as Level Up Laptops to help make education more accessible to children and would love more local businesses to join in.

“The most rewarding aspect of having set up Learning People is seeing so many happy and engaged people working in the business and supporting our students to live more fulfilling lives through their careers. The tech industry is growing at an exponential rate with jobs outweighing skilled professionals. These children are the digital workforce of the future and it’s wonderful to support their education by donating these devices” added Patrick. 
Learning People offers career ready education in the tech and project management sectors, to those looking to change careers, start fresh or simply advance in their current role.

The money donated by Learning People will go towards the refurbishment of even more devices, which will be on the way to other schools in Brighton & Hove very soon.

Businesses can also join initiative Level Up Laptop by donating new or refurbished IT equipment and donations are appreciated. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/leveluplaptops

In partnership with SoPro and Tarner Community Project, we are urging local businesses to support our campaign to ensure that school children across Brighton & Hove have access to a laptop at home.

Midnight Communications, a Brighton-based PR company, are the latest organisation to support to appeal by funding the refurbishment of 10 Windows laptops for the Bilingual Primary School in Hove. The devices, which have been collected from residents and businesses as part of the Level Up Laptops appeal and RevaluElectricals service, will be used to support increased digital learning.

Midnight Joint Managing Director, Alex Hankinson, said: “Schools may be going back on the 8th of March but the direction of travel for learning is clearly digital and it’s vital that children have access to laptops of their own when they go home."

“Lots of schools ask children to use websites such as TTRockstars for their times tables and Purple Mash for reading and comprehension or for coding. It shows that children need digital devices now and in the future. Many of us take having that kind of equipment for granted but there’s a digital divide emerging for those who cannot access them, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic. We hope other businesses across Sussex will also support what is a fantastic initiative.”