New online app service aims to collect 10,000 unwanted electrical items and provide at least 500 reused electricals to residents within the first year of operation
City residents now have a free and easy way to dispose of unwanted electrical items like laptops, mobile phones and small appliances while helping charities and the environment.
A new service – the first of its kind in the country – has been set up in Brighton & Hove where people can simply book online through a special app and have their old tech or electricals collected from their doorstep.
Goods that are working or can be refurbished or upgraded will be donated to charity. Anything that can’t be saved will be dismantled and recycled responsibly.
Any data will be professionally wiped
Importantly, people can be reassured that any items with personal information stored on them like PCs, mobiles and laptops will have the data completely wiped by professional security experts.
The new scheme follows on from the hugely successful Tech-Takeback service that has been running a series of e-collection pop-up events in partnership with the council's Cityclean service for the last three years.
During that time, a total of 600 residents have donated more than 5300 items of tech, with over 2500 items data erased and many of these recycled.
Charities benefit from donated tech
Approximately 250 pieces of tech have been distributed to a number of charities for reuse, repair and upcycling, including the Sussex Homeless Support Charity, the Green Centre, The National Tech4Good Awards, The Bevy Community Pub, Artists at Bloomtown Festival, Brighton Pride HQ and Screwed Sculptures.
Although the pop-ups were extremely popular, it meant people had to take their unwanted tech to a certain place to drop it off.
Now, residents don’t even need to leave their homes as we’ll come and collect the items once an appointment is booked.
Just download The ZeroNet app here or from the Tech-Takeback website, book a collection appointment and the TTB staff will collect from your doorstep – all done within Covid social distancing and safety measures.
Find the full list of items Tech-Takeback can collect.
'Everyone benefits from donations'
Councillor Amy Heley, chair of the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “This is a fantastic service and one that benefits everybody involved.
“Residents know their unwanted goods are either being donated to charities, to people less able to afford technology or are being recycled in an environmentally-friendly way.
“That means the charities or other resident’s benefit, as does the environment. The other great thing is people don’t even have to leave their homes to dispose of their unwanted goods.”
The service, called RevaluElectricals, is funded by new not-for-profit organisation Material Focus.
The council fully supports the new service
RevaluElectricals is run by Tech-Takeback Ltd and The ZeroNet with support from the council's Cityclean service and the Recycle Your Electricals campaign.
Tech-Takeback managing director Dr David Greenfield and The ZeroNet’s founder and chief executive Paul McSweeney, said: “We’re excited to launch the first app-based collection of end of use electricals in England, known as RevaluElectricals.
“Residents can now donate unwanted tech for a second life, if feasible, in the knowledge that their data will be securely erased, together with other small household electricals. Reusable items donated will be shared via our reuse partners including Digital Brighton & Hove and Freegle.
“The new service makes it easy to donate, with collection from the resident’s home booked via the free to download The ZeroNet app, at a time that suits them.
“Residents don’t have to worry about travel, parking or queues. Once booked, our driver will carry out a free collection from your doorstep using our electric van, while remaining compliant with COVID-19 social distancing measures.”
'We're hoarding 527 million small items'
Scott Butler, executive director of Material Focus, added: “This project is vital to ensuring we make good use of our old electricals. Whether they are re-used or recycled, these items contain valuable materials that will otherwise be lost forever.
“Our research has shown that in the UK we are hoarding more than 527 million small electrical items, an average of 20 per household, which is why we have recently launched our Recycle Your Electricals campaign.
“We’re delighted to be working with Tech-Takeback. The innovative app is why we chose to work with them as it will be key to making it easier for Brighton & Hove residents to re-use and recycle their electricals.”
You can find more details at techtakeback.co.uk.