Before Recycling Old Computers in the UK: The Guide on Donating and Reusing
Individual donations instead of recycling of old no longer needed, yet still usable tech such as Laptops, Desktops, MacBooks, iPads, iPods, iPhones, Apple iMacs, Docking Stations, Routers, Servers, AV equipment, Game console …
We are often asked by members of the public, small business and self employed whether we can arrange to collect their items as well they would like to donate instead of just recycle.
Please contact us in the first instance as we might be able to send you a free donation parcel labels ( up 30 KG per box ).
Phone : 0843 289 5722 Email: Donate@SocialBox.Biz
## Please note that items should still be usable ##
- Please contact us first with the quantity and the model to disuses drop off and collection options and our latest age/spec criteria.
For any enquirers from members of public who are in need of support with access to a computer
- Please contact our participating charity partners found under our digital inclusion page and then by following the link to different initiatives. Our service is to supply the partnering charities who already have processes in place to assist those in need including accommodation services for homeless people and other support.
Our PCDonations.Org campaign is now re-directed to this page, below is the overview of the campaign and some frequently asked questions:
Donating Old, Yet Still Usable Laptops, PCs and Apple Mac-books In London And The UK.
Laptop PC and Apple Mac-book Donations is a local UK initiative from SocialBox.Biz a non-profit community interest organization that accepts old, yet still working usable computers donations for the purpose of re-using them.
SocialBox.Biz believes that we must prepare and adequately equip people who can not afford computers with the tools they need to succeed in the Information Age.
To donate, please contact: Donate@PCdonations.org
SociaBox.Biz, a Community Interest Company provides IT service innovations including digital inclusion services for homeless people, refugees, and older people in isolation is now accepting donations of old but still usable laptops including Apple MacBooks and Apple computers.
The laptops will be wiped of all data and then installed with open source software that will help the user get back on their feet, including:
- An internet browser
- An email client
- A document editor
- A media player
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will SocialBox.Biz Laptop and Apple Mac-book Donations local UK initiative come to my location to pick up the computers?
For donations of larger quantity of computers ie from corporate offices before corporate IT recycling, we can arrange for an onsite collection and other serivices. For smaller quantities just place the donations into a box and we can send you a parcel label. You are also welcome to deliver it to our donations warehouse, please contact us to book a conviniet time.
Will Laptop PC and Apple Mac-book Donations local UK initiative wipe my hard drive?
Laptop PC and Apple Mac-book Donations local UK initiative will wipe hard drives before reusing. For larger quantities we can arrange on-site IT services for data wiping. If a certificate of wiping is required please indicate at the time of your donation.
Do you collect other tech items ?
Yes we do collect other tech items for donations that are still functioning such as we are able to fundraise with these items to keep our initiative sustainable.
Do you recycle broken items ?
Our initiative only accepts usable items and we can also provide donation boxes, if you require assistance with recycling we can recommend an authorised recycler, please contact us.
I am a refugee or a homeless student, am I eligible to receive a computer from Laptop and Apple Mac-book Donations local UK initiative?
Computers are not distributed directly to students. Please contact participating charities to apply.
How long does it take to receive a computer after I apply?
The length of time varies because the amount of requests we can fulfill depends on the amount of contributions from our donors. The more contributions we receive, the more requests we can fulfill.
What type of software do the computers come with?
The software titles included with the computer are open source innovations.
Contact Us And Further Information
https://www.socialbox.biz/socialbox-biz-accepting-apple-products-and-laptop-donations-ahead-of-holidays/
© Laptop PC and Apple Mac-book Donations is a local UK initiative from SocialBox.Biz – All rights reserved
Join Our Campaign ( For Charities ) Corporate laptops and IT reuse before corporate laptop IT recycling London UK
Laptops for SocialBox.Biz Digital Inclusion Initiatives donation box locations
We do also have a number of partners that have kindly provided collection points for us. Please ensure that disused but still working and reusable laptop computers , mobile phones and games consoles are labelled ‘SocialBox.Biz’ and placed into our SocialBox.Biz donation box that you will find with our partner.
Libraries
- Hammersmith Library, Shepherds Bush Road London W6 7AT
Mapbooks, Ipads, PCs, Laptops, Mobile Phones, Games Consoles and other consoles/tablets. - Normal opening hours
Monday to Thursday – 10am to 7pm
Friday and Saturday – 10am to 5pm
Sunday – 11am to 5pm
Closed on bank holidays.
Regus office sites
( If you are a tenants of Regus please contact us for other participating Regus sites in London and beyond to arrange for you to drop off your donations )
PCs, Laptops, Mobile Phones & Games Consoles and other gadgets.
Age UK London
- please contact us for other participating Age UK shop and opening times in Central London
PCs, Laptops, Mobile Phones & Games Consoles.
Regus office sites in Scotland
- Regus, 69 Buchanan Street, Glasgow, G1 3HL
Laptops, Mobile Phones, Games Consoles and other gadgets.
Other items
Please contact the local council for items not suitable for reuse and donation.
As this is a public event we do recommend that before donating your laptop or other items to delete your data, copy any files and reset to factory settings !
To physically remove the hard drive please check these two simple guides below:
How to remove hard drive simple steps and use it as a additional storage device;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
We are always looking for more collection points throughout the UK. We are also looking for more companies that would like to boost Corporate Social Responsibility and Employee Engagement efforts. If your organisation would like to work with SocialBox.biz Social Enterprise please contact:
IDEAS at Socialbox.biz or call us on 0843 289 5722
Additional Information below:
SociaBox.Biz, a long standing not-for-profit digital inclusion IT service provider for homeless people moving into accommodation and older people in isolation is now also accepting donations of old but still usable Apple MacBooks and Apple computers.
SocialBox.Biz believes that we must prepare and adequately equip people who can not afford a computer with the tools they need to succeed in the Computer Age. The skills required to function in the modern world are becoming increasingly reliant on computers, and those who don’t have access to them are at a severe disadvantage.
SociaBox.Biz provides reused laptops to those in need, pre-loaded with open source software and programs that can help them get back on their feet. The laptops are provided free of charge, and the only requirement is that they are returned when no longer needed so that someone else can benefit from them.
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SocialBox.Biz – 2025 update
Companies can now solve their impact problems and reduce scope 3 emissions from old tech by sponsoring additional students, basic computer classes and tech labs for older people living on small pensions and homeless people moving into permanent accommodation and getting back on their feet, please contact us to discuss further: https://www.socialbox.biz/corporate-impact/
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Prioritizing Reuse Over Recycling:
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Unlike standard disposal methods that often send still-functional devices to recycling or scrap, SocialBox.Biz focuses on reusing old but usable tech, such as laptops, MacBooks, and iPhones. This extends the lifecycle of devices, reducing environmental impact and Scope 3 emissions by avoiding energy-intensive recycling processes.
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Reusing devices is more environmentally friendly than recycling, as it keeps functional equipment out of landfills and reduces the demand for new manufacturing, which can involve harmful materials like mercury and lead.
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Social Impact Through Digital Inclusion:
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SocialBox.Biz also redistributes some suitable upgraded tech to vulnerable groups, such as these working with homeless people, refugees, and elderly individuals in isolation, through charity partners like Age UK London, Centrepoint, and The Passage. This provides access to technology for those who cannot afford it, fostering digital inclusion and opportunities for education, employment, and social connection.
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For example, their initiative has helped individuals like DJ Yordi, a refugee from Eritrea, who received a donated MacBook to pursue a music career, demonstrating tangible social benefits.
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Supporting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ESG Goals:
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By donating old tech before recycling business IT equipment, businesses can enhance their CSR and Environmental Social Governance (ESG) profiles. SocialBox.Biz provides documentation for sustainability reports, aligning with frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and helping companies meet climate-related disclosure requirements.
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Onsite Data Wiping Services:
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SocialBox.Biz offers onsite data wiping services for larger donations (10 or more devices), ensuring sensitive data is securely erased before devices leave the premises. This provides greater peace of mind compared to offsite secure IT disposal services, where data security risks may arise during transportation.
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They issue certificates of data destruction, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations, and can even accept computers without hard drives due to their use of open-source software innovation, further reducing security concerns.
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Transparent and Local Process:
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SocialBox.Biz emphasises local reuse, minimising the risk. Their partnerships with approved organisations ensure ethical and secure processing of items that need recycling.
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SocialBox.Biz tackles the growing old tech mountain problem by reusing and upgrading items with open source innovations, preventing them from becoming part of the “rubbish mountain.” Devices unsuitable for reuse can be collected and recycled by approved partners, ensuring compliance with the WEEE Directive.
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Their approach aligns with the UK Climate Change Act and Social Value Act, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable alternatives to computer disposals and recycling items abroad in third world countries and where there are no adequate recycling facilities down the road. Whilst intentional exports are more profitable charitable activity should starts at home for the old donated computers
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Convenient Donation Process:
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SocialBox.Biz arranges onsite pickups across the UK, including cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Smaller donations can be dropped off at designated locations ensuring digital links and computer aided training opportunities for disadvantaged people at home in the UK.
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Holistic Impact: By choosing SocialBox.Biz, businesses not only address old computer hardware responsibly but also support vulnerable communities, enhance their CSR profiles, and meet impact ESG targets.
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Security and Trust: Onsite data wiping and transparent processes ensure data security, surpassing many traditional IT disposal methods.
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Local Focus: Their emphasis on local reuse minimises environmental impact and supports UK communities directly, unlike recycling solutions that may involve exporting most of the old items adding to emissions and scope 3 problems.
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SocialBox.Biz offers onsite data wiping services for larger donations, ensuring sensitive data is securely erased before devices leave the premises. This provides greater peace of mind compared to offsite secure IT / PC disposals services, where data security risks may arise during transportation.
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They issue certificates of data removal, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations, and can even accept computers without hard drives due to their use of open-source software as well as provide on sites hard drive removal and wiping, further reducing security concerns.Transparent and Local Process:
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Unlike some IT disposal services that may export old tech, SocialBox.Biz emphasises local reuse, minimising the risk of data breaches or improper handling during overseas recycling.
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SocialBox.Biz tackles the growing problem by donating/reuse items with open source innovation, preventing them from becoming part of the “rubbish mountain.” Any items that need recycling can be collected through approved partners, ensuring compliance with the WEEE Directive.
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Instead of just recycling and disposing old PCs and having computer disposals limited impact, donating the usable items to us first promotes sustainability and maximum impact… Donating computers gives that human IT touch and opportunities for computers for good causes with us, and it restores hope for those who need it the most.
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The approach aligns with the UK Climate Change Act and Social Value Act, reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.Convenient Donation Process:
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For larger donations SocialBox.Biz arranges onsite pickups across the UK, including cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Smaller donations can be dropped off at designated locations.
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They provide secure storage and transportation solutions, including lockable boxes and insured secure vans, ensuring safe handling of donated equipment.
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Holistic Impact: By choosing SocialBox.Biz, businesses not only address old computer IT hardware responsibly but also support vulnerable communities, enhance their CSR profiles, and meet ESG targets.
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Security and Trust: Onsite data wiping and transparent processes ensure data security, surpassing many traditional IT disposal methods.
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Reduces E-rubbish: Keeps functional devices out of landfills and recycling process before they become waste.
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Cuts Emissions: Extends device life, avoiding new production emissions.
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Promotes Reuse: Supports a circular economy for sustainable IT reuse before disposal in London.
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Refugees: Supports education and job searches.
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Homeless Individuals: A donated laptop helped one person learn coding, securing a job.
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Seniors: Enables digital access, reducing isolation.
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Check Devices: Identify functional laptops or Apple computers, including older models.
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Secure Data Wiping: Industry-standard wiping with compliance certificates.
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Devices are upgraded with open-source software; computers for causes and social impact.
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Community Distribution: Some suitable laptops reach charities supporting vulnerable groups.
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ESG Boost: Enhances sustainability metrics for reporting.
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Brand Exposure: SocialBox.Biz promotes donors, as seen in a 2024 university campaign featured in local media.
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Possible Cost Savings
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Employee Engagement: Strengthens CSR initiatives.
Factor
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Donation
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Recycling
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Environment
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Saves 150kg CO2/device
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Emissions
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Social Impact
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Empowers communities
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None
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Cost
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Possible Reduced Cost of logistics
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Potential fees
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Blog Re-Post ( please share on your website/blog to promote Socialboxbiz initiative and help the planet during the #EarthDay and every day):
“Why Reusing Beats Recycling – How SocialBox.Biz is Protecting the Planet by Reusing Old Corporate Computers”
According to the UN report there is a growing e-rubbish problem. There’s one London-based Community Interest Company making a difference by focusing on reuse over recycling of corporate IT equipment. ( Summer 2025 )
Every year, thousands of perfectly usable laptops and MacBooks are discarded by the UK or sent for recycling.”But what if those devices could be transformed into tools for change?
SocialBox.Biz has been doing exactly that. By securely wiping and re-purposing old tech to address the UN e-Rubbish mountain report , before 2030 – they’re also equipping homeless individuals, refugees, elderly people, and low-income students with the means to reconnect, learn, and thrive.
“Our mission is to re-use more old technology before corporate IT disposal and recycling, protecting the planet and helping those in need,” says the team at SocialBox.Biz.
They offer services tailored for UK businesses and universities and even home users and self employed—making it easy to meet sustainability and CSR goals, while doing real social good by donating and reusing useful items first with SocialBox.Biz.
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