The Social Value of Reuse: Tech-Takeback's new report uncovers Up to £346 Million in Social Value

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• Boost resource security by recovering rare earth metals from outdated devices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.

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