In the past months, everyone’s demand on technology to stay connected has increased. But not everyone has an adequate device to work from and access the internet. One poll of teachers revealed that 88% had students they believed were falling behind due to lack of access to online learning. Also others, e.g. those shielding are in need of a functioning device.
Civil society has stepped up to provide laptops to those in need. Community groups and local initiatives across the UK ask people to donate their old laptops, computers and other electronic items. They fix and upgrade these devices and distribute them to locals in need, sometimes in partnership with a local small charity. This work is vital to many who are now able to stay connected and continue their education.
Here, we are listing computer reuse projects across the United Kingdom that accept individual donations, for reuse in the local community.
The local dimension is important to us, as it ensures that laptops will be delivered fit-for-purpose. And that potential follow-up help exists nearby.
Where to donate your computer (or volunteer your skills)
If you have an unused laptop at home or ask yourself “Where can I donate my old compter?”, please consider donating it to a local charity or community group. Depending on the project, also spare parts, tools, or your own time and knowledge can make a real difference! Get in touch with a project near you and ask how you can help.
England
| Location | Name | What to donate | How to donate | Who receives the devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | Birmingham Education Partnership | Laptops | Email [email protected] to arrange a drop off or collection | Students |
| Bradford | Bradford Solidaritech | Laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets | Fill in this form. | Refugees and asylum seekers |
| Brighton | Tech-Takeback | Laptops, tablets, iPads, PCs, smart phones, and more | ||
| Buxton (Derbyshire) | The Zink Project | Laptops | Contact Jane at [email protected] or 075079 37554 to arrange a collection or drop off. | People in need of a device to apply for jobs, access training or improve their IT skills |
| Fleetwood (Lancashire) | West Fleetwood Computer Clinic | Laptops, computers | Distribution via local charities | |
| Horley (Surrey) | Level Up Laptop Appeal | Laptops | Students | |
| London | Catbytes | Laptops, tablets, desktops, monitors, smartphones, chargers for smartphones, mice, keyboards, power cables and connecting cables, mini wifi hubs that can provide internet access | Contact [email protected] or call 07939288079 to arrange a donation. | Students, families, individuals without digital access |
| Hackney Council | Laptops | Fill in this form. | Students | |
| Lambeth Tech Aid | Laptops, tablets, desktops, monitors, smartphones, chargers, speakers, microphones, webcams, USB sticks, external drives, USB wifi adapters, dongles and headphones | Fill in this form. | Anyone in need, e.g. students, refugees, people with no recourse to public funds, women's aid contacts, seniors in supported accommodation. Distribution via local community organisations. | |
| Mer-IT | Laptops, computers | Fill in this form to arrange a collection or drop off. | Students and teachers | |
| Leeds | Digital Access West Yorkshire | Laptops, Tablets, Smartphones, Desktops | Fill in the donation form on the website | Students, learners and other digitally excluded people |
| Luton (Bedfordshire) | Luton Learning Link | Laptops, tablets, desktop PCS Less than 5 years old | Fill in the form at the bottom of this page. | Students |
| Plymouth | Borrow don't buy | Digital devices (e.g. laptops) | Contact Wendy at 07868728298 to arrange a collection. | Partnering with Nudge Community Builders who distribute the devices in Stonehouse, Plymouth |
| Wantage (Oxfordshire) | The Mix | Laptops | Email [email protected] | Local residents in need |
Scotland
| Location | Name | What to donate | How to donate | Who receives the devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | Edinburgh Remakery | Laptops, tablets, iPads, PCs, smart phones, cables, chargers, and routers | Drop off at 127 Leith Walk from 12-2pm Mondays-Fridays. | |
| Edinburgh and East Lothian | People Know How | Laptops, tablets, desktop computers, monitors, cables, chargers | Email [email protected] to arrange a collection. Or drop off at our offices at 525 Ferry Road, EH5 2FF, open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. | people who received a shielding letter, students in home schooling, people on low income and others |
| Glasgow | Glasgow Remade Network | Laptops, computers | Drop off at Repair Stop at The Deep End, Nithsdale Street from Monday to Saturday between 12-2pm. | local residents in need |
| Highlands of Scotland | Budding Engineers | Laptops, computers | Contact Dave at [email protected] or 07518098944 to arrange a donation. | families and students without digital access |
Suggest a community computer reuse organisation
If you know of an organisation or project that we have not yet listed, please get in touch with us through the form below. We’re looking for groups that accept individual donations, for reuse in the local community.