The initiative, which was funded by Material Focus and supported by Currys, ran as a three-month trial in 10 Sue Ryder Stores across London.
According to Recycle Your Electricals, London homes contained an estimated 108 million unused electrical items, averaging 31 per household. Its research indicated that 74% of UK adults would donate to charity shops if given the option.
Sue Ryder has stated that all donated items will undergo PAT testing for safety before being sold at “affordable prices” in its stores. The 10 participating Sue Ryder stores will accept working household electricals smaller than a microwave, including toasters, kettles and hairdryers as well as tech items such as TVs, phones and speakers.
Support
Wayne Hughes, deputy retail regional manager at Sue Ryder, said: “We’re excited to work with Recycle Your Electricals on this trial and can’t wait to see the results. This will mean we can start turning pre-loved electricals into funds to help support people dealing with grief or facing a terminal illness.
“At Sue Ryder, we understand the importance of providing shoppers with a more caring way to shop and stop items going to waste. By working closely with Material Focus, we can make a real difference in the fight against electronic waste while raising funds for the charity’s important work.”
‘Vital’
Scott Butler, executive director of Recycle Your Electricals, said: “Each household in the UK has around 30 unwanted electricals, some of which could be donated to charities, providing a vital income source for charities such as Sue Ryder, as well as more affordable electricals for those in need.
“Many charities don’t currently receive electricals, which is why we are delighted to be working with Sue Ryder to extend the number of charity stores that receive donations of electricals in London and, hopefully, if this is a successful trial, roll it out across the UK.”
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