How to help others with your existing tech

A few months ago I got a phone call from my mobile phone provider. They wanted to know if I wanted to upgrade to a newer model of iPhone. "Of course," was my reply.

The chap on the other end of the phone went through the costs of getting a new phone. I could get some money off by selling my phone back to them, so they could sell it onto someone else. 

Whoever got my mobile phone would be getting a freshly wiped mobile phone for a fraction of the cost of a new iPhone. Everybody wins.

Corporate and individual tech recycling

If you are part of an organisation in the midst of upgrading your tech equipment, and want to lighten your carbon footprint by ensuring the equipment is put to good use, then read on for some suggestions of IT recycling firms you can approach.

If you're an individual wanting to help others make the most of your old devices, we have some valuable ideas for you too.

(Please note: AbilityNet has not used some of the below website, so be aware these are not recommendations, just examples of organisations that may be able to assist.)

How to recycle workplace equipment 

If your company is upgrading its computer hardware it does make sense to sell it to a company that refurbishes equipment. By doing this you'll be helping people out who are feeling the pinch and need to buy a refurbished device. 

Contacts for selling workplace devices

• RecycleIT
• IT Recycle
• UK IT Recycling

2. How to both save money and help others

Last year I decided that my Mac was getting past the point of no return. It was 12 years old and was a little bit tired. So I sold it to someone who could refurbish it and sell it to someone else. I think I got about £200 for it. 

With that money and a bit of saving, I then decided that I wanted to go back to Windows and so I bought a system for about £400.

This system was refurbished and included a monitor and a base unit. The computer and monitor are both HP which is a fairly well-known make. I just do some basic web browsing and photo editing. I think I've got a bargain, to be honest.

So, if you're an individual who is keen to both raise money for yourself and help others at the same time by selling your equipment, you may find many local high street shops will buy your IT equipment and refurbish it and then sell it onto someone else.

Can you trust refurbished tech?

Where does the refurbished technology come from? Can you trust it? 

A lot of refurbished computers come from companies who are looking at upgrading their IT equipment, instead of just letting it go to a landfill site that isn't that ecologically friendly.

The process is: they sell it to companies that can wipe the computer data and then do a clean install of Windows or similar operating systems, and then sell it to the consumer at a fraction of the cost. 

Contacts for selling devices

• Music Magpie: this site buys your old tech to sell back to others at low cost.
• If you want to see what your phone might be worth if you sell it you could always go to one of the many price comparison sites, like 'Compare and Recycle'.
• IT Recycle offers secure disposal of old devices.
• Fox in the Box: Sell your used IT equipment.
• You might also find this Which? article about how to recycle your IT equipment of interest. 
   

Further resources

• Factsheet: Cost of Living Crisis: Useful resources
• Free webinar playback: Cost of living crisis and how digital can help
• Factsheet: Disability and employment
• Find out more about AbilityNet's free live webinar events
• Book your free sessions about disabilities
• 1:1 Assistive Technology training
• Unsure where to start with digital accessibility? Speak to our experts for help.

AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people. If you can afford it, please donate to help us support older and disabled people through technology