“Reuse Before Recycling Corporate Computers ” and “Call Before you Scrap It” campaigns from SocialBox.Biz Community Interest Company.
SocialBox.Biz provides essential tech, like a Google Chromebook with larger screens, to Age UK beneficiaries in London to combat digital exclusion and isolation. This case study highlights the positive, human-centric impact of repurposing corporate IT equipment and serves as a powerful testament to the value of tech reuse bebefore disposal. It also provides a compelling impact narrative for corporate partners by demonstrating the measurable social and environmental benefits of sustainable IT asset management.
SocialBox.Biz’s “Reuse Before Recycling” initiative aims to empower individuals and organisations by donating reused IT equipment, such as laptops, to reduce Scope3 CO2 emissions. This aligns with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals, enhancing social inclusion and environmental sustainability with ongoing participation by companies in SocialBox.Biz initiative.
The initiative, as shown by numerous case studies with partnering Age UKs in London provides laptops with open-source software to disadvantaged individuals, such as a visually impaired older people where for example SocialBoxBiz is sourcing computers with larger screens.
25th July 2025 Needs Analysis
Reusing corporate IT equipment significantly reduces the carbon footprint compared to recycling or manufacturing new devices, reducing Scope 3 emissions for corporate partners. The initiative promotes sustainable reuse, reducing environmental impact while empowering individuals like the 80 year old below living on a small pension unable to afford computer hardware or software.
The case studies below highlights a model for corporate engagement, achieving CSR objective with the need for ongoing engagement from companies with SocialBox.Biz to prioritise reuse before corporate recycling of computers in 2025,2026, 2027 2028, 2029 and beyond…
London, UK, 29th July 2025 with Previous updates: SocialBox.Biz, a not for profit community interest company & Age UK City of London, Age UK Islington & Age UK Westminster update: Reuse and donate first before corporate computer recycling London
Case Study: Age UK Islington 25th June 2025
A gentleman in his 80s, supported by Age UK Islington, faced profound isolation. Vision impairment and health issues made his phone unusable for video calls, cutting him off from family overseas. Limited mobility further restricted his access to services. SocialBox.biz, partnering with Age UK Islington, provided a reused laptop with open spruce software innovation tailored for accessibility. Its larger screen enabled clear video chats, reconnecting him with loved ones and opening doors to online resources.
Case study: Age UK Westmisnter City update June 2025
The Google chromebooks S340-14 that SocialBox.Biz provided ( with larger screens for older people living on small pension who not afford any computer hardware of software ) recently have been a great help not only to our Digital Library and digital inclusion sessions but to those clients that needed a replacement laptop or their very first laptop as they were unable to purchase themselves.
Age UK Westminster really appreciates SocialBox.Biz and your continued support, Peter. Many thanks for allowing our members to be more digitally inclusive and to be more computer literate at a time when being digitally able is extremely important with the advancement of the digital age.
Some feedback:
‘Thank you so much to Age UK Westminster and SocialBox.Biz for providing me with a chromebook. I’ve been without the use of my laptop for sometime and I was surprised at how fast the chromebook is and I can use it from the comfort of my home without having to go to the libary to use their computer.’
Thank you EB.
‘I’ve never had a laptop or personal computer and I’m grateful for the chromebook. I’m learning all the time and learning new things. I’m able to connect with my family and keep in touch with friends more often. A new toy!’
B.W. AC
Case Study: Age UK City of London & SocialBox.Biz Device Loan Scheme
(Spring / Summer 2025 update)
Overview
In 2025, Age UK City of London collaborates with SocialBox.Biz to advance its Device Loan scheme, providing older adults with laptops featuring privacy-respecting, open-source software.
Implementation
Throughout 2025, Age UK City of London promoted the scheme through newsletters and in-person client sessions, showcasing SocialBox.Biz’s laptops to highlight accessible, privacy-focused technology.
Progress
In-person sessions helped clients explore privacy-respecting software, boosting confidence.
Newsletters increased awareness and interest in the scheme.
Clients began adopting devices for everyday digital tasks.
Outcomes (June 2025)
By June 2025, the scheme expect to show growing engagement, with more clients participating in sessions and borrowing devices, enhancing their digital literacy and independence.
Conclusion
The partnership with SocialBox.Biz is effectively promoting privacy-focused technology, empowering older adults with secure digital tools in 2025.
@SocialBoxBiz highlights the benefits of secure IT reuse before recycling and IT disposal for corporate IT in London, UK. Reduce emissions, support communities with
‘ Call SocialBox.Biz before corporate scrap recycling ‘ campaign launched on 2nd August 2025.
Businesses are invited to reach out to SocialBox.Biz when upgrading their computers to assess which devices can be reused before discarding or recycling old technology
Learn about open-source software
Hashtag: #DigitalInclusion #PrivacyTech #AgeUK #SocialBoxBiz
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Summary of SocialBox.Biz Laptop Donation Case Studies ( 29 May 2025 ) Age UK Islington
SocialBox.Biz, a London-based social enterprise, donates repurposed corporate laptops with open source software to disadvantaged individuals through partnerships with organizations like Age UK Islington, driving social impact and aligning with its “spring cleaning” mission. Below are two case studies illustrating the transformative effects of these donations:
Age UK Islington Client (Job Seeker with Mobility Challenges)
Profile: A client new to the borough, actively seeking employment, relied on a smartphone for job applications, hindered by chronic pain and limited mobility.
Challenge: Smartphone-only access limited job search efficiency and online course enrollment, while isolation grew due to mobility constraints and a preference for email communication.
Solution: SocialBox.Biz provided a laptop, enabling online job applications, course registration, and email-based social connections.
Impact: The client improved job application efficiency, enrolled in a course, and reduced isolation, boosting confidence and employability.
SOCIALBOX.BIZ | CASE STUDY FROM AGE UK WESTMINSTER ( Spring 2025 )
This spring, SocialBox.Biz is encouraging enterprises and organisations to consider donating their old but usable tech. Spring cleaning often yields many items that can be reused and donated to SocialBox.BIz. A simple donation can make a major impact in the life of someone in need.
The SocialBox.Biz mission is to take old but still working laptops and other tech, scrub them clean of their data, and help those items to older adults who can not afford any computer hardware or software and homeless people trying to get back on their feet and moving into accommodation.
Age UK Westminister, a benefactor of a laptop donated via SocialBox.Biz during its Christmas 2024 Tec-Lab deliveries, said that a client had their laptop stolen and was grateful to receive a replacement.
“Many thanks for the laptop,” said the client. “I was lost without one and was unable to Skype with
my family abroad.”
Another client there at Age UK Westminster received a laptop via SocialBox.Biz after her own computer was stricken with issues. She was going to the library to use their resources until SocialBox.Biz stepped in. “Thank you for the laptop. Greatly appreciated,” she said. “Now I can send emails and print my letters from home.”
As you spring clean in the coming months, we encourage you to consider donating your outdated tech such as laptops and macbooks that can still be used instead of throwing it away or recycling.
Connect with SocialBox.Biz today to see how your donation can make a difference and to schedule
your pickup.
Previous update London, UK, 31st October 2024 –
SocialBox.Biz, a not for profit community interest company and a social enterprise that aims to bridge the digital divide and support vulnerable communities, has released its 2024 case study update for Age UK City of London.
This update highlights the impact of their laptop re-use program on the lives of individuals who can not afford a computer or software on their small pension like Carl, an older person and a volunteer at a local community centre.
Since receiving a laptop from SocialBox.Biz long-standing initiative, Carl has been able to make a significant difference in his community. He uses the laptop to help local residents find information, get online, and use the internet safely. He also uses it to assist people in booking appointments for advice. Additionally, the laptop has allowed him to continue his studies, enabling him to further contribute to the betterment of those around him.
Companies from the City of London area and other business districts are urged to contact SocialBox.Biz when replacing their old tech so that more items can be reused before being sent for scrapping or recycling.
You create social impact by re-using large quantities of your company’s old but still functional tech equipment on an ongoing basis with SociaBox.Biz and support our self-sustaining social enterprise by paying for some of our commercial services. ( Picture above provided by Age UK City of London. )
The case study update showcases the positive impact of SocialBox.Biz’s laptop re-use service on individuals like Carl, who are dedicated to making a difference in their communities. With the support of SocialBox.Biz, Age UK City of London has been able to provide individuals with the necessary tools to access information, resources, and opportunities, ultimately improving their quality of life.
SocialBox.Biz Helps Another Volunteer Stay Connected with Older People’s Charity Through Laptop Re-use Service
The study focused on Brian, a volunteer for an older people’s charity, who had been struggling to stay connected due to his old PC breaking down. With the help of SocialBox.Biz, Brian who is a a British man in his mid 60s was able to receive a laptop, allowing him to continue his volunteering work and stay connected with his community.
Brian has been volunteering for an older people’s charity for the past five years. However, when his old PC stopped working, he found himself unable to get online and stay connected with the charity and the older people he had grown to care for. This also meant he was unable to moderate various groups he was an admin for, causing him to feel isolated and disconnected from his community.
Thanks to SocialBox.Biz’s laptop donation program, Brian was able to receive an upgraded laptop. This laptop not only allowed him to check emails and stay in touch with his volunteering work, but also served as a source of relaxation. Brian shared that he uses the laptop to watch TV and listen to music, making it an essential tool for his daily life. With internet access, he can now easily moderate the groups he is responsible for, ensuring that the older people he supports are receiving the help they need.
SocialBox.Biz’s mission to bridge the digital divide and support vulnerable communities aligns with Age UK City of London’s goal to improve the lives of older individuals in the city. This partnership has proven to be successful, with the October 31st 2024 case study update highlighting the positive outcomes of their collaboration. SocialBox.Biz continues to work towards their mission, and with the support of the community, they hope to make an even greater impact in the future.
Senior Social Impact Consultant at SocialBox.Biz, Carolyn Williams, said: “We take for granted that we can go online to catch up with friends and loved ones, access learning materials or do our shopping from the safety of our homes. This luxury is not afforded to the most vulnerable in society, such as the older people living on small pensions, with difficulties of getting around and unable to afford computer hardware or software. Please call SocialBox.Biz before scrapping or recycling your old tech so that we can check what can still be reused and donated.”
SocialBox.Biz Social Impact spokesperson, Carolyn Williams
Age UK City of London, Age UK City of Westminster, Age UK Islington and other case studies are a testament to the power of collaboration and the positive impact it can have on individuals and communities. SocialBox.Biz remains committed to their mission and looks forward to continuing their partnership local Age UKs in London and beyond to support those in need who can not afford computer hardware or software. For more information on SocialBox.Biz and their long-standing initiatives, please visit: https://www.socialbox.biz/corporate-impact/
SocialBox.Biz delivers a new batch of laptops to support isolated and disadvantaged individuals
Click on the link above for the previous post from Age UK London and case studies and pictures with other Age UK centers in other areas.
Over the years SocialBoxBiz enabled many London Age UK clients to stay connected with their loved ones, access online resources, and feel less isolated. The laptop has become a valuable tool for staying connected and engaged. If you work for a company or an organisations please contact us today to find out how to participate with your old but still usable tech before scrapping or recycling all of it.
SOCIALBOX.BIZ TEAMS WITH AGE UK LONDON TO LAUNCH NEW INITIATIVE “LAPTOPS FOR OLDER PEOPLE”
28th July 2025 update: Because of open source IT innovations, SocialBox.Biz can also collect corporate computers without hard drives for reuse service.
SocialBox.Biz, a London-based Community Interest Company, provides a comprehensive guide for UK companies and universities to prioritise the reuse of computers and MacBooks over recycling or disposal. The guide covers the following topics:
- Where to donate old university laptops in the UK and Corporate IT refresh and donation programs. Also; How to ethically reuse before disposal of business computers and Charitable Laptop reuse for UK companies and Tech recycling alternatives for universities.
- Donating old corporate computers across London
- Where to donate old business IT equipment London trusts
- SocialBox.Biz seamless, collection service and scope 3 Co2 reduction
- Certified on-site data wiping and open-source supported reuse
- Boosting CSR profile and engaging employees and university staff.
Final Thoughts: Championing Sustainable IT with Purpose
As technology continues to evolve, so should our approach to IT disposal. SocialBox.Biz is proving that donating old business computers in London and across the UK isn’t just possible — it’s impactful. From reducing corporate scope 3 emissions to empowering older individuals through computer training and access.
We invite businesses of all sizes to be part of this transformative movement. Whether you’re planning an IT refresh or simply have unused equipment, your contribution can bridge the digital divide and help build a more inclusive society.
Let’s make “reuse before recycling and IT disposal” more than a slogan — let’s make it the standard.
Contact SocialBox.Biz today to discuss how your company can participate !
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SocialBox.Biz provided essential reused tech to Age UKs in London, continuing a long-standing mission to bridge the digital divide for older people. This case study update brings to life one such story, demonstrating the real, human impact of this ongoing partnership.
Key Highlights from the Age UK Partnership:
- Combating Isolation: Tech access helps older people stay connected with family, friends, and vital community services.
- Long-Term Impact: This partnership reinforces SocialBox.Biz’s sustained commitment to digital inclusion.
- Human-Centric Story: The narrative of the Chromebook user provides a powerful emotional connection.
- ESG Reporting: Corporate partners can use this example to showcase tangible, human-centric social impact in their ESG reports.
- Local Focus: The initiative directly benefits older residents in London, supporting local communities.
- Partnership: SocialBox.Biz and Age UKs in London (Charity)
- Duration: Long-standing
- Location: London, UK
- Keywords:
- Social Impact: Digital Inclusion, Elderly Support, Combating Loneliness, Community Support, Vulnerable People, Human-Centric Impact.
- Sustainability: Tech Reuse, Circular Economy, Corporate IT Disposal, Reduce E-Waste, ESG Reporting.
- Corporate: ESG Impact, Social Value, Corporate Partnerships, IT Hardware Donations, Reduce Scope 3 Emissions.
- Products: Google Chromebook, Laptops, Refurbished Technology.
- Key Programs: Laptops for Older People, Tech for Good, Reuse Before Recycling.
- Impact Metrics: Provides technology to help older people stay connected and access services, addressing digital exclusion.
- Related Entities: Westminster City Council (as per previous collaborations), SocialBox.Biz Partners.
- How do partnerships with Age UKs work?
Securely wiped and upgraded IT equipment is provided to various Age UK centers in London, which then distribute the devices to their beneficiaries based on need.
- What technology is most useful for older people?
Accessible and easy-to-use devices like Chromebooks are ideal. The focus is on providing reliable tech that can connect users with family, friends, and online services, all with accessible features.
- How can a company create a similar impact story?
Companies can partner with SocialBox.Biz by donating decommissioned IT equipment or by supporting their work through Impact Plans. These partnerships provide a measurable ESG story and tangible community impact.
- How can someone refer an older person who needs a laptop?
Individuals in need should reach out to their local Age UK branch to see what digital inclusion programs are available.
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