19 February 2025

  • Recycling electricals is the right thing to do, but many don’t know how to;
  • Around one in two UK adults agree that recycling small electricals is difficult1;
  • Deloitte joins forces with Currys to drive recycling of tech and awareness of e-waste and digital inclusion amongst its 25,000 UK colleagues.

Currys is excited to support Deloitte’s new ‘Recycle for Good’ launch, empowering Deloitte's 25,000 UK people to recycle their old tech and electricals at Currys stores.

Many people recognise that recycling tech is the right thing to do1 and so Deloitte has drawn on the support of the UK’s number one retail tech recycler, Currys, to assist.

Supporting a circular economy

Deloitte’s sustainable consumer research found that the majority (59%) of consumers said they are more committed to reducing their waste than the year before2. However, according to Material Focus research around one in two UK adults agree that recycling small electricals is difficult1. By easily bringing old tech into a local Currys’ store, Deloitte's 25,000 people will be helping to give technology a longer life.

Deloitte is therefore encouraging its people to recycle their tech for free through Currys Cash for Trash3 and trade-in initiatives4. By doing so, they will also receive at least a £5 Currys voucher, regardless of where and when the tech was originally purchased. Customers are not only helping to tackle the growing e-waste crisis in the UK but are also being incentivised for doing so.

The UK’s leading technology retailer plans to then 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 inclusion5.

‘Recycle for Good’

Deloitte’s ‘Recycle for Good’ initiative is a commitment to reduce e-waste, promote the responsible disposal of old electronics and drive digital inclusion.

The collaboration builds upon Deloitte’s existing programme6, which sees all the firm’s retired laptops recycled and donated to charities and schools. Deloitte has already provided over 17,500 refurbished laptops to those who need them the most.

“We are so excited to work with Deloitte on their important ‘Recycle for Good’ initiative. 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.”

Lindsay Haselhurst COO at Currys

“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.”

Richard Houston Deloitte UK Senior Partner and CEO

“Our research has shown that the average household is holding7 onto nearly 10 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.”

Scott Butler Executive Director, Material Focus

NOTES TO EDITORS

  1. https://www.deloitte.com/uk/en/about/press-room/cost-and-sustainability-fatigue-stifle-consumers-efforts-to-adopt-more-sustainable-lifestyles.html
  2. https://www.materialfocus.org.uk/report-and-research/recycling-waste-electricals-consumer-preference-for-recycling-electricals-march-august-2024/
  3. Currys can recycle almost any tech, but please don’t bring in any sensitive or unhygienic items. Any personal data should be removed from the device before they are handed to us. GB only. Minimum £25 spend to redeem voucher. T&Cs apply. Full T&Cs here.
  4. https://www.currys.co.uk/services/ways-to-pay/trade-in.html
  5. Deloitte is asking its people to label their donations clearly with ‘Deloitte and Currys Recycling initiative’. The label will help Currys track the impact of Deloitte’s donations.
  6. Since 2016, Deloitte has been on a mission to create better futures - mobilising its people to drive positive change through volunteering, fundraising and pro bono work. Deloitte has a role to play in making sure people can survive – and thrive – in today’s digital world. Because, if we don’t, the digital divide will get bigger. Through its societal impact programme, 5 Million Futures, the firm’s colleagues are donating their time and expertise to create change from the grassroots up, for example donating 17,500 refurbished laptops so more charities, school children and families can get online. Read about their FY25 work in this space in Deloitte’s Annual Review story on digital inclusion - From athletes to AI | Deloitte UK
  7. https://www.materialfocus.org.uk/press-releases/bank-between-1300-and-6330-by-re-selling-your-unused-tech/

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