Electricals retailer Currys has already established a major UK repair hub where technology is recycled, rolled out a ‘Cash for Trash’ tech recycling scheme for consumers, and it runs TV adverts touting its circular offering – now it’s working directly with Deloitte to help encourage the professional service firm’s workforce to recycle devices.
The aim is to drive tech recycling and raise awareness of e-waste and digital inclusion among Deloitte’s 25,000 UK colleagues.
Deloitte has established its own ‘Recycle for Good’ campaign internally, but has teamed up with Currys to turbo charge the scheme.
Deloitte consumer research published in October found 59% of consumers said they are more committed to reducing their waste than the year before. However, according to a study by not-for-profit group Material Focus around one in two UK adults agree that recycling small electricals is difficult.
Deloitte staff are actively being told that they can take their old tech into their local Currys’ store, in order to give these devices a longer life. By doing so, they will also receive at least a £5 Currys voucher to spend on their next £25-plus purchase at the retailer, reflecting the wider national Cash for Trash campaign.
As part of the new arrangement, Currys intends to return some of the collected tech that might be reusable back to Deloitte, so the firm can donate it through its device donation scheme as part of its commitment to digital inclusion.
Currently, Deloitte already donates its retired – and recycled – laptops to charities and schools. The work with Currys is expected to support that work even further.
Lindsay Haselhurst, chief operating officer at Currys, commented: “At Currys, we are committed to reducing e-waste and educating customers on how to dispose their unwanted tech, responsibly.
“Through our well established ‘Cash for Trash’ and trade-in programmes, we offer a convenient solution for Deloitte colleagues, to recycle their old tech and contribute to combatting the e-waste crisis.”
Richard Houston, Deloitte UK senior partner & CEO, added: “Our ‘Recycle for Good’ initiative with Currys allows us to turn old tech into new opportunities, ensuring that valuable devices don’t go to waste. Access to technology changes lives and by simply recycling their old tech, our colleagues are making a real difference to bridge the digital divide.”
Scott Butler, executive director of Material Focus, said: “Our research has shown that the average household is holding onto nearly ten unused tech items including mobile phones, laptops, iPads and games consoles.
“Unwanted tech, instead of being stashed unused in our homes can instead support those who have no access to technology. This initiative by Currys and Deloitte marks an important step towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
[image credit: Currys]
