Christmas Giving - Go Green with our Green Machine

Are you buying new tech this Christmas for yourself or a family member?

We all love receiving new and the latest gadgets but what happens to your old devices?

What if your old tech could be a life-saving piece of equipment helping vulnerable young people to access learning and further their education?

Christmas is coming and many people will have a new laptop, tablet, or other electronic device on their list.

If Santa delivers on your tech wish list, then your old laptop could be recycled, refurbished, and potentially used for good by a school or community project.

West Berkshire Council has been recycling its old computers through Green Machine Computers for some time. They collect all of our redundant ICT equipment and refurbish 50% of what is collected. Around half of this is distributed to schools and charities free of charge.

Green Machine can do this with your old tech items too! If you have devices you want to recycle responsibly and potentially benefit schools and other worthy causes, you can drop them off at the Newbury Community Resource Centre at Hambridge Road Industrial Estate, Bone Lane, Newbury RG14 5SS.

Between Wednesday 20 November and Saturday 21 December there will be an added Christmas treat as the Green Machine team will be hosting Pop Up shops at the Newbury Community Resource Centre on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 9am and 5pm selling refurbished laptops as well as some smaller computer accessories such as keyboards and cables.

Councillor Vicky Poole, Executive Member for Transformation and Corporate Programme at West Berkshire Council says,

"Recycling your old devices through Green Machine is a win/win for everyone. Repurposing your devices dramatically lowers your carbon footprint and once refurbished, they could get a second life with a local school or charity.

"Working in this way has not only saved the council money they were paying previously to have machines collected but also helping to fight digital exclusion by redistributing them where they are most needed."

Where do the recycled devices go? The vast majority of recycled personal devices go to vulnerable young people including those under West Berkshire care and fostering.

Natalie King-Barnard, Head of Sales and Marketing at Green Machine Computers says,

"We're passionate about sustainable technology and everyone can be a part of making this happen. Waste is only waste if we waste it.

"In the UK, over six million tonnes of electricals are thrown away each year. At the same time, millions of people in the UK don't have access to a home computer.

It is estimated that at least half of the devices people throw away are still in working order or could easily be repaired and redistributed to make a marked difference in other people's lives.

"After wiping, restoring, and repairing your unwanted device, it is ready for a second life with someone less fortunate. Your old device or recycled computer can make an astounding difference in other people's lives."

Don't forget you can recycle small electrical items at our Household Waste Recycling Centres and Mini Recycling Centres. You will need a permit and to book an appointment.