Device refurbishment
Across Scotland, many devices are lying forgotten, unused or unwanted.
A variety of local projects have sprung up encouraging people to donate their old tech. Devices are then cleaned of data, fixed where needed, upgraded and redistributed.
Top tips for donating old devices
- Log out of any cloud-based apps and thoroughly clean your device before you donate it
Your old device may hold personal data about you or your contacts. This could be used for fraudulent purposes. The National Cyber Security Centre has guidance on how to erase the data on your device. - Only donate good quality devices
This is not a way to dispose of broken or ancient devices. Devices need to be suitable for wi-fi or 3G and have no major defects, like a cracked screen. Devices over five years old are hard to upgrade to modern operating systems. - Try to include any charging cables, plugs, manuals and original boxes
- Know where your device is going
Only donate your device to a reputable project who will double-check that your data is safely removed.
What else you can do to help
- Many of the projects are community groups run by volunteers. They would welcome your help and knowledge.
- Many projects need cash donations too.
- If there isn't a local group and you want to start your own project then contact Nominet's Reboot Project. They will help you develop a cost-effective, practical and environmentally friendly programme.
Projects to donate your devices to
These are projects we know of who accept donations of old devices and redistribute them to people in Scotland. If you know of other projects, let us know and we will add them to our list.
Many workplaces, colleges and universities have their own internal redistribution projects for their local communities. If you are an employee or a student, it is worth checking there.
Edinburgh and the Lothians
- Pass IT On, Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Remakery, Edinburgh
- Turing Trust, Midlothian
Scottish Borders
- The General Store, Selkirk
- Renew Crew, Peebles & surrounding areas
Dumfries and Galloway
- The IT Centre, Castle Douglas
Glasgow and Clyde
Forth Valley
- Clackmannanshire TSI, TechShare, Clackmannanshire
- Reboot Stirling, Transition Stirling, Stirling
Lanarkshire
- Voluntary Action North Lanarkshire, Airdrie (covering North Lanarkshire)
- Reconnect, Community Links South Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire
- Re-tek, East Kilbride
Ayrshire
- Input Community Works, North Ayrshire
Highland
- ILM Highland, Alness (but delivery throughout the Highlands)
- Budding Engineers, Thurso (but covering the North of Scotland)
- The Libertie Project, Inverness
Tayside
- Home Computers Support, Dundee
- WEEE Centre, UHI Perth College
Grampian
- Reboot Computer Recycling, Forres (but covering Grampian area)
National
- Reusing IT
- Reboot Computer Recycling
- Hubbub Community Calling (free postage for smartphone donations)
Learn more about device refurbishment and making digital inclusion greener in this video recording from our DigiShift series.
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