Partnership between Currys and Deloitte encourages Tech Recycling

Currys has agreed to support Deloitte’s new ‘Recycle for Good’ launch. This support will help to encourage Deloitte’s 25,000 UK people to recycle both their old tech and electricals at Currys stores.

In recent years it has become increasingly clear that more and more people recognise that recycling technology is the right thing to do. This new awareness is one of the major reasons why Deloitte has asked Curry to support and assist in their new mission. Deloitte picked Currys, as this company is well-known as one of the UK’s number one retail tech recyclers.

A huge drive behind this aim is to support and encourage a circular economy and recently Deloitte’s sustainable consumer research revealed that approximately 59% of consumers stated that, ‘they are more committed to reducing their waste than the year before.’

On the other hand, research conducted by Material Focus stated that, ‘around one in two UK adults agree that recycling small electricals is difficult.’

After conducting this research, a solution to this issue was created and this involved arranging a system in which old tech can be brought back into a local Currys store. If effective, this system will mean that Deloitte’s 25,000 people will work towards giving technology a longer life.

Therefore, Deloitte has decided to encourage their people to recycle their tech through Currys Cash for Trash and trade-in initiatives, which are schemes that are free to use. When a consumer uses this system, they will also receive a Currys voucher which is worth at least £5 and this will be provided no matter how old the tech is or where it was bought from. This results in consumers helping to tackle the growing e-waste crisis in the UK and this system means they are also being incentivised to do this.

Once this system is in motion, Currys, which is well-known as the UK’s leading technology retailer, has mentioned plans to return some of the collected tech which could be useful back to Deloitte. This will mean the firm has the option to donate it through its device donation scheme, which aligns with the company’s commitment to digital inclusion.

Further to this, the ‘Recycle for Good’ initiative which Deloitte recently set up, has a predominant focus on aiding the company’s commitment to reducing e-waste, along with promoting the responsible disposal of old electronics, whilst also promoting digital inclusion.

The excellent new collaboration between Deloitte and Currys, builds on Deloitte’s pre-existing programme. This programme ensures that all the firm’s retired laptops are recycled and then donated to charities and schools. So far, this programme has refurbished 17,500 laptops, which have been provided to those who need them the most.

COO at Currys, Lindsay Haselhurst, commented, “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.”

Deloitte UK Senior Partner and CEO, Richard Houston, 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.”

Executive Director, Material Focus, Scott Butler, mentioned, “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.”