News
24th February 2025
In a world where digital connectivity is increasingly key, Sunderland is taking bold steps to bridge the digital divide and combat e-waste.
The UK generates around six million tonnes of e-waste each year. While such a significant number of digital devices go to waste, one in three people in Sunderland are digitally excluded, having never been online or lacking basic digital skills.
To tackle these challenges, Sunderland City Council launched the Donate Devices campaign, running from August through to December of 2024. The campaign encouraged residents to donate unwanted digital devices, which were then either refurbished and rehomed or ethically recycled. The campaign successfully collected 1,074 devices, with 124 suitable for redistribution (with an estimated total value of £8,600). The devices donated have supported Sunderland to bridge the digital divide while preventing over 58,000 kg of CO₂ emissions through recycling and reuse.
The Donate Devices campaign was funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and run by Sunderland City Council’s Smart City team. The campaign was supported by BornGood, a Sunderland-based business who support organisations by repurposing, recycling, reselling, or donating their old or unwanted equipment, alongside the council’s Data Protection and IT teams, and local Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations.
Digital exclusion continues to impact residents across Sunderland who lack access to a suitable device. This creates barriers for residents wishing to apply for jobs, access online services, or stay in touch with family and friends. Many of those most affected also face financial hardship and other barriers to developing digital confidence. By rehoming devices, the Donate Devices campaign provided vital access to technology for people in Sunderland, alongside tackling the environmental issue of e-waste.
In addition to its social impact, e-waste is a growing environmental concern, with many electronic devices containing valuable but hazardous materials. Without proper disposal, toxic metals can contaminate soil and water. A total of 950 devices were ethically recycled, leading to a CO₂ saving of 58,228.7 kg. The recycling process also recovered valuable materials, including copper, aluminium, gold, and steel, reducing the demand for new raw materials and minimising environmental harm.
The campaign successfully provided devices to 80 people across Sunderland, following a thorough data sanitisation process. Refurbished devices were redistributed to individuals based on need — focusing on affordability, connectivity, and digital confidence. For example, Andrew and Michelle were thrilled to receive a laptop donation from Pallion Action Group. The laptop will enable them to carry out job searches, browse the internet, and watch videos. Additionally, their two children can now complete their homework on the laptop, thereby significantly improving their daily lives.
A wide range of devices were donated, with mobile phones being the most common. The campaign collected 450 mobile phones, 251 laptops, 135 tablets, 57 monitors, and 51 hard drives. Our joint venture partners, Boldyn Networks, played an active role by donating 8 refurbished laptops, making a meaningful difference to communities in Sunderland. Each of these devices provided an opportunity for recipients to access digital services, develop skills, or stay connected with loved ones.
Brightsparks, based at Swan Lodge (a supported accommodation facility for 72 individuals facing challenges such as homelessness and addiction), has also benefited from the Donate Devices campaign. Thanks to the donations, they have been able to set up a mini digital hub in a common room, providing residents with access to essential online resources and services. This support is helping residents at Swan Lodge develop their digital skills, access new opportunities, and take positive steps towards independence.
Together for Children also received several devices which were distributed in the community. Among the recipients were families who could not afford to buy their children a laptop; with the different donations, these families have been enabled to support their children to study, complete homework, and conduct research.
Plus, a young mother received a laptop to access online health services, save money, and complete courses. This donation is helping her improve well-being and pursue education, making a meaningful impact on her life.
Finally, another family received a phone just in time for Christmas, ensuring that they could stay in touch with loved ones over the festive period.
In addition to its social impact, the campaign also delivered significant environmental benefits. A total of 950 devices were ethically recycled, leading to a CO₂ saving of 58,228.7 kg. The recycling process also recovered valuable materials, including copper, aluminium, gold, and steel, reducing the demand for new raw materials and minimising environmental harm.
The impact of the campaign demonstrated how a simple action of donating an unused device can make a meaningful difference: by supporting digital inclusion and reducing e-waste, Sunderland residents played a vital role in helping their community while protecting the environment. With 124 devices given a second life and nearly 1,500 kg of materials recycled, this campaign was enabled by community action in tackling digital exclusion and environmental sustainability.
Thank you to all the individuals and organisations who donated a device as part of this campaign. If you’d like to learn more about accessing devices, connectivity, or other digital support through Sunderland’s digital inclusion programme, visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/goonlinesunderland.