In partnership with the Digital Poverty Alliance, the council’s new scheme aims to encourage residents to donate undamaged mobile phones, tablets and laptops to help families access digital services and avoid the unnecessary consumption and waste of electronic items.
The donated items are securely wiped and refurbished with around 75% of the undamaged donated devices redistributed to residents within the borough and the remainder going to people across London.
Any items that are not in a condition for reuse will be given to the council’s technology partner for recycling.
The council said that the scheme aims to bridge “the digital divide” by enabling individuals and families who otherwise would have struggled to access vital services such as education, employment, and healthcare.
Residents can donate their devices at five locations across the borough including Kensington Central Library, Chelsea Library, North Kensington Library, Baseline, The Clement James Centre and Dalgarno Trust.
Councillor Johnny Thalassites, lead member for finance, customer services and net zero, said: “More and more of the things we do in our daily lives are digital. So, it is really important that residents can access a device and have support using their device if they want that.
“Many of us have old phones, tablets or laptops at home that we no longer use, so why not donate them to this scheme? You’ll free up some space, do your bit for the environment and give people in your community the opportunity to make the most of the wealth of digital services.”
The council has encouraged local organisations and businesses to email digitalinclusion@rbkc.gov.uk if they would like to participate. Residents can find more information on the scheme on the council’s website here.
A report released by Material Focus this week, highlighted the volume of unused electronic items – particularly cables – sitting unused in households across the UK.
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