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.
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.’
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Image: Kilian Seiler
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