Donate your old laptops, tablets and smartphones
There are over 1 million pieces of unwanted, unused tech stashed away in Nottingham homes across the city – an average of 8 per household.. we have the solution!
Donating your unwanted tech is quick and easy
Simply gather any laptops, smartphones, tablets and chargers you no longer need and drop them off until 31st January 2025.
We will refurbish all reusable tech and wipe any personal data to Ministry of Defence standards. Refurbished tech will then be donated to those in need. Any devices that can’t be refurbished and repaired will be recycled to ensure the precious metals are reused.
How do I permanently delete my data on my devices? Overview
Before passing on your smart device for reuse or recycling you need to permanently delete all personal and private data so that it can’t be retrieved.
1. Back up and sign out
Back up important files, such as documents and photos, and transfer them to your new computer, an external hard drive or a cloud drive like iCloud, Dropbox or Google Drive. Remember to record the licence numbers of software you may need to reinstall on your new devices. Then sign out of all your accounts.
2. Destroy data
Destroy your data by erasing your hard drive to remove any files and programmes you’ve added. In general a factory reset will delete most of your data, but for older Windows devices you may need specialist (free) software. Remember you won’t be able to get your information back once this process has been completed.
3. Remove any SIM or memory cards
Don’t leave any personal information that could be used by cyber criminals. If possible, remove your SIM and any memory cards.
Generally, it’s not a good idea to sell used storage media such as a memory card with the device itself, so remove it
Data deletion guide
Download our data deletion guide to ensure that you destroy and not just delete all your valuable data.
Bag up your electricals and drop off at one of the locations listed below.
Working in partnership
We are working with Nottingham City Council, Reconome and Good Things Foundation to deliver the project
Nottingham City Council
Nottingham City Council is committed to creating a sustainable, vibrant, and inclusive city for all residents. From reducing waste and improving recycling initiatives to supporting local services and creating green spaces. The council will install and manage the drop off points and ensure any unusable tech is responsibly recycled
Good Things Foundation
Good Things Foundation is a UK wide digital inclusion charity which also distributes free internet data through its National Databank and training in digital skills. They will distribute the refurbished devices to people in need across Nottingham and the UK as part of their National Device Bank
Reconome
Reconome are a UK wide accredited IT asset disposal company repurposing surplus technology and transforming potential e-waste into digital opportunities for underserved communities. They will collect and refurbish all reusable devices
Material Focus
This initiative project is led and funded by Material Focus, our not for profit leading the UK-wide Recycle Your Electricals campaign, making it easier for people to recycle their electricals
Recycle everything else
Can’t sell, repair or donate it?
