The Recycling IT for Wildlife Scheme provides a way for organisations to legally, safely and ethically dispose of redundant computer equipment, completely free of charge. Absolute Networks, which is licensed by the Environment Agency, will collect batches of old IT kit (including PCs, laptops, printers, servers, even photocopiers) from business premises across England and Wales.
The equipment is then sorted to establish which items have a value in the second-user market. Saleable equipment is tested, cleaned and prepared for sale. Items for sale include complete and partial items thus minimising the overall quantity of material sent for recycling. The profits from items sold are then donated to the business’s local Wildlife Trust – the Trust joins a growing list of UK Wildlife Trusts already working with Absolute Networks on the Scheme, including Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicester & Rutland, Yorkshire and London.
Obviously data security is a very serious issue, so Absolute Networks also provides a full data destruction service on any computers, servers or storage devices recycled. Any non-saleable equipment is broken down and prepared for shipment to a UK waste recycler. All waste is disposed of ethically, within the UK - it is guaranteed that absolutely no toxic or hazardous materials enters landfill in the UK or is 'dumped' anywhere else in the world.
Speaking about the Recycling IT for Wildlife Scheme, Managing Director of Absolute Networks Matthew Drew said “Over 6 million electrical items are discarded in the UK each year – and with new technologies constantly entering the market, that number is growing all the time. We’re thrilled to be able to help raise funds for UK wildlife projects by recycling some of these defunct or unwanted items. The response so far has been phenomenal - almost £15,000 has been raised for the Trusts in the first six months”.
Toyota UK have just taken part in the scheme and Nick Freeman, Assistant General Manager said “I am delighted that The Wildlife Trusts are able to benefit from our IT recycling programme. The first batch of equipment was collected a few weeks ago and our IT team, who manage the process, are very happy with the service too. It's particularly pleasing that we've been able to help the Trusts in this way in their 100th anniversary year. Hopefully it will help them reach their fundraising targets and ensure that their nature reserves thrive.”
Caroline Prout, Corporate Partnerships Manager of The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, added “The scheme really appears to really be taking off in other counties and we’re hoping lots of companies and organisations across our region will get involved. This is a really simple way for companies to put something back and help preserve our precious wildlife environment, without actually having to spend a single penny!”
The Wildlife Trust – Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire
The Wildlife Trust movement is celebrating 100 years of protecting wildlife and habitat for the benefit of all. It all started here when Northamptonshire landowner Charles Rothschild established the first nature reserve at Woodwalton Fen in Cambridgeshire in 1912. Centenary celebrations will be held throughout the year, with Woodland and Bluebell events in April, Big Birthday events in May, Meadowland events in June and a focus on Wetland wildlife in autumn. We manage 128 nature reserves - all free to visit - 95% of local population live within five miles of one of our reserves. We work to make these havens link together, helping nature adapt to a changing climate. By gathering valuable information about wildlife and working with landowners, the Trust also monitors and safeguards wildlife beyond the boundary of its reserves.
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For more information please contact Caroline Fitton, Communications Officer on 01954 713567 or email caroline.fitton@wildlifebcn.org