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Sunderland City Council launches digital device recycling programme

Residents are being asked to ‘dig out and donate’ unwanted smartphones, laptops, tablets and more, with reconditioned technology given to those who would otherwise lack access.

person repairing smartphones under a lighted table

Local authority operated drop-off points have been established across the North East England city, which will run from August to October. According to the council, all donated devices will be ‘data sanitised’ by professionals upon receipt, ensuring personal information and passwords remain secure. 

Old mobile phones, laptop and desktop computers, Chromebooks, keyboards, mice, tablets, and power cables can all be recycled through the programme. Printers will not be accepted. 

The scheme aims to tackle some of the UK’s 6million tonnes of e-waste, which is generated annually. At the same time, equipment which has been restored, rebuilt and refurbished can then be passed on to disadvantaged members of the community.

According to local research, one-in-three people in Sunderland have never been online or lack ‘basic’ digital skills. As a result, they are significantly less likely to find and keep gainful employment, and are at high risk of exclusion from various services as administration and application processes increasingly focus online. 

Donation points can be found at the following locations: 

Friday, 16 August 2024 to Thursday, 31 October 10am to 1pm Building Blocks Day Centre, Concord, NE37 2SS
Monday, 12 August to Friday, 16 August 10am to 1pm Mickey’s Place, Sulgrave, NE37 3BB
Monday, 12 August to Friday, 30 August 10am to 1pm Kayll Road Library, Pallion, SR4 7TW
Monday, 12 August to Friday, 30 August 10am to 1pm Pallion Action Group, Pallion, SR4 6QW
Monday, 12 August to Friday, 30 August 10am to 1pm The Pavillon, King George’s Park, Pennywell, SR4 8DY
Sunday, 1 September to Thursday, 31 October 10am to 1pm The Box Youth and Community Project, Doxford, SR3 2UY
Tuesday, 3 September to Thursday, 12 September 1pm to 4pm Shiney Advice and Resource Centre, Shiney Row, DH4 4QW
Monday, 16 September to Friday, 20 September 9am to 1pm St Michael’s Community Centre, Hill View, SR2 9JT
Monday, 16 September to Friday, 20 September 4.30pm to 7pm North East Sports CIC at Monkwearmouth School, Torver Crescent, SR6 8LG
Monday, 30 September to Friday, 4 October 10am to 1pm Back on the Map, Hendon, SR2 8RN
Monday, 14 October to Sunday, 20 October 12noon to 3pm Roker United Reformed Church, Side Cliff Road, Roker, SR6 9JP
Wednesday, 16 October 11am to 5pm Grindon Church Community Project, SR4 8JZ
Friday, 18 October 9am to 1pm

A number of drop-in sessions have also been announced, with the public invited to attend and address any concerns or queries about the donation system. Dates are as follows: 

Tuesday, 20 August 10.30am to 1.30pm Ryhope Community Centre
Monday, 2 September 12noon to 3pm Roker United Reformed Church, Side Cliff Road, Roker, SR6 9JP
Tuesday, 3 September 11.30am to 2.30pm Sunderland City Hall, SR1 3AA  
Thursday, 5 September 1pm to 4pm Shiney Advice and Resource Project, Shiney Row, DH4 4QW
Tuesday, 10 September 11.30am to 2.30pm Sunderland City Hall, SR1 3AA
Tuesday, 17 September 9.30am to 12noon St Michael’s Community Centre, Hill View, SR2 9JT
Tuesday, 17 September 12noon to 3pm Youth Almighty, Silksworth, SR3 1AU
Monday, 23 September 10am to 1pm Space4, Houghton le Spring, DH4 4AF
Wednesday, 25 September 10am to1pm Farringdon Youth and Community Project, SR3 3EL
Wednesday, 2 October 9.30am to 12noon Washington Library, The Galleries, NE38 7RZ
Thursday, 3 October 10am to 1pm Back on the Map, Hendon, SR2 8RN
Tuesday, 8 October 9.30am to 12noon City Library, Burdon Road, Sunderland, SR1 1PP
Thursday, 10 October 9.30am to 12noon Houghton Library, Newbottle Street, DH4 4AF
Tuesday, 15 October 12noon to 3pm Grindon Church Community Project, SR4 8JZ

‘Many residents in Sunderland still face challenges in accessing essential services, educational resources and online communication due to a lack of digital devices,’ Cllr Alison Smith, Corporate Services & Equalities Portfolio Holder at Sunderland City Council, told the Sunderland Echo. ‘Your donation can make a significant difference by providing someone with the tools they need to participate fully in modern life.’

More on technology: 

Labour backs 98 AI projects in public sector productivity drive

Travel hub pilot in Halesowen

Royal Mint factory in South Wales to recover e-waste gold

Image: Kilian Seiler

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