Summary
Recycle-IT is a community interest company and one of the largest UK-wide not-for-profit IT recyclers. Recycle-IT reuses unwanted computers and then provides low-cost computer equipment for the community, whilst providing a professional redundant IT equipment data-wiping and disposal service for major corporates, local authorities and small businesses.
We completely sanitize and refurbish the redundant IT equipment ready for reuse with certified hard drive wiping software and ethically recycle the unusable IT equipment with up to 99% reusable materials regained from CRT monitors. This helps to significantly reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
The company focus is on helping all those in digital need and those who seek ethical reuse of IT equipment - 10.2 million adults (21% of the UK population) have never accessed the internet including 4.0 million adults (9%) being both digitally and socially excluded.
We also provide training, paid work experience and real jobs for homeless and other long term unemployed people. Our employment strategy is underpinned by our unequal opportunities policy, which means that we only take on people who have experienced long-term unemployment. They are generally referred to us through a recognised training agency and are supported through work placement into permanent jobs.
Founded in Luton in 1995, Recycle-IT has won many awards for its achievements and has made a genuine difference to many people's lives. We are now a worker-owned co-operative, after the company ran out of funding last year. It is our ambition to continue our work as a worker-owned social enterprise as we learn project management and development from a grassroots perspective.
Now working with Recycling Lives, we are looking at scaling up the enterprise as it begins a new stage of development.
Mission
To professionally recycle and reuse unwanted computers (with WEEE compliance) and then provide low-cost computer equipment for the community to access (to Bridge the Digital Divide).
To divert all WEEE IT waste ethically and thoughtfully through social partnerships, innovation and collaboration.
Location
Based in Manchester and operating throughout the UK.
Key Personnel
John Hastings, lead director, business developer and social and ethical officer.
Venford Rouse, production manager and database administrator.
Daniel Abbott, lead technician and network administrator.
Contacts and social media
Email: info@recycle-it.uk.com
Telephone: 0161 2260637
On the web: www.recycle-it.uk.com
Twitter: @Recycle_IT
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RecycleITmanchester
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