Do you have old phones, tablets or laptops that you’ve updated and replaced, but the originals are taking up drawer space because you’re unsure what to do with them?
Ealing Council can help you dispose of them securely and result in helping and supporting local children.
The council is partnering with PayByPhone, the council’s phone parking provider, and the charity Digital Poverty Alliance.
You can donate your device to help fight digital poverty. Your data will be wiped securely using Computer Recyclers UK, an ADISA certified company, to ensure your privacy is protected.
Digital poverty
There are young people, across the borough, who are living in digital poverty with no access to a laptop or similar device.
Having access to IT is no longer considered a luxury – it is a core part of how we live, whether it’s connecting with family and friends, accessing education or seeking a job. In the UK, 26% of young people do not have access to a digital device. This scheme can help those who need support accessing the opportunities afforded by technology.
Win-win
Councillor Steve Donnelly, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for inclusive economy, said: “This really is a win-win scheme for everyone involved. Young people who receive one of these devices will massively benefit, devices that are not fit for purpose will be recycled and those who donate do so in the knowledge that data will be securely removed.”
Chief executive officer of the Digital Poverty Alliance, Elizabeth Anderson, said: “The Donate Your Device scheme has the potential to make a real difference for young people facing digital exclusion. By refurbishing and distributing these devices, we are removing barriers to education and employment. This ensures that every young person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to society.”
How you can help
There’s still 2 months left to donate – this initiative ends on 31 August 2024.
If you have any unwanted devices, including phones, laptops or tablets, please drop them off to one of the locations listed below.
- Acton Library, W3 6NE
- Dominion Centre and Southall Library, UB2 4BQ
- Northolt Library, UB5 5AS
- Ealing Central Library, W5 5JY
All open Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays – 10am to 5pm; and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays – 10am to 7pm.
- Hanwell Community Centre – open Wednesday and Friday, 11am to 2pm.
Devices that can be reused will either be refurbished before being donated to young people who may otherwise not be able to afford a device (about 90%) or sold to cover the cost of securely wiping and refurbishing (about 10%). Devices that are not fit for reuse will be stripped for parts and recycled responsibly.
If you are over 18 and from a low-income household you can get free mobile data at one of the council’s community hubs.
