Tech-Takeback runs disassembly workshop at Emmaus Brighton & Hove

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. 

Simon Holroyd, Operations Manager at Tech-Takeback explained why disassembly makes most sense when a device reaches its true ‘end of life’ - at the point where it cannot be repurposed or refurbished for reuse. Companions were interested to hear that in a typical laptop, the processor and memory - along with their gold content – are often the most valuable components and that many of the materials contained within these devices are in short supply at the moment. 

The end-of-life laptop used during this session had been kindly donated to Tech-Takeback via the RevaluElectricals collection service. Fortunately, in the skilled hands of Tech-Takeback’s operational team, most of the devices we receive can in fact be repaired and refurbished for reuse, after undergoing a secure erasure process. In the past year, thousands of devices have been given a second life and redistributed via local charities to the most vulnerable members of the community.

The afternoon ended with the Companions working to separate out each of the components into containers, ready for Tech-Takeback to recycle where possible and dispose of in an environmentally sensitive way.

If your organization would like to host a workshop, please get in touch with us at: [email protected]

If you are a resident or business based in Brighton & Hove and would like to donate a device, please visit our Donations pages.

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