Case Studies - Recycling Redundant IT Equipment
PHS Maxitech & Age Concern London prove recycling is not old hat!
PHS Maxitech, the electronic equipment recycling and refurbishment specialist, has teamed up with Age Concern London to launch a campaign to reuse electronic equipment and help the elderly become computer-wise.
Age Concern London benefits from PHS Maxitech’s core business function – collecting unwanted, redundant computers from businesses and organisations to refurbish them to a working standard. This provides an ethical and environmental solution to the growing problem of waste electrical goods that enables organisations to comply with the requirements of the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive.
The collaboration sees PHS Maxitech donating refurbished computers to London Age Concern London for free distribution to older people signed up to the scheme. To date, the scheme has enabled PHS Maxitech to donate 1088 computers to Age Concern Centres.
The aim of this scheme is to provide older people with the opportunity to gain IT knowledge and skills and help to reduce social isolation. 36% of those who received a computer commented that it has dramatically improved their daily life.
Thuraisha Naidoo, Key Account Manager at PHS Maxitech, emphasises the benefits of the scheme for other organisations like Age Concern, “PHS Maxitech has been involved in the computer donation scheme since 2006. Over this time we have delivered more than a thousand computers to Age Concern centres across London.
“The scheme not only contributes to PHS Maxitech’s CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) agenda, but also delivers a much-needed service to many older people who previously had little or no access to IT equipment. 74% of recipients have said that it has improved their IT knowledge, making the scheme a worthwhile venture.
“By refurbishing and reusing unwanted electronic items, PHS Maxitech is able to help donating companies improve their environmental agendas.”
Pearl Grant, who received a computer through the scheme, has found it has greatly increased her knowledge of IT, “My computer knowledge was limited previously but through this project I have been given the opportunity to learn more and increase my confidence in using the internet and sending emails. This has proved extremely helpful when keeping in touch with friends and family in the UK and West Indies.”