When colleagues return an old laptop or device to IT, they might not think too much about what happens next. But, thanks to a recent approach from our team, devices that are no longer suitable for reuse or reallocation within our department are now finding their way into the hands of children and families who need them most.
From secure disposal to social good
Over the years, our team has continuously committed to, and refined, its approach for the sustainable disposal of old IT equipment while maintaining a cost-neutral model all along.
When DSIT launched the IT Reuse for Good charter in June 2025, we were delighted to sign up and be the first department represented.
Making a difference
The impact is already being felt. At the start of this year, we sent 60 laptops to the Digital Poverty Alliance – our largest donation to date. These devices were shipped to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“We are so grateful to the people at MHCLG for donating these laptops. The young people these have gone to have already told us the difference that they have made – to accessing their education, looking for work and finding support for mental health, as well as much more.”
Elizabeth Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Poverty Alliance
We’ve also donated devices to Kinship, the charity supporting kinship carers across England and Wales, and funded 6 specialist UV-C charging cabinets for London NHS Trusts. These cabinets help reduce bacteria on visitors’ devices and staff handhelds – a practical contribution to infection control on hospital wards.
What families have said
Behind every donation is a family whose life just got a little easier. Here’s what some of them had to say.
“Now that she has a larger screen, my daughter is able to join her hospital Zoom calls more easily, which used to be difficult on my small phone.”
“As a mum, I feel since Covid that laptops, computers and printers are needed for schoolwork. It just seems like everyday life now, and if you don’t have a computer, it puts the child in a difficult position. This laptop helps massively.”
“My daughter is so excited to be able to do homework on a laptop and not have to use her phone. I’ve told her that it is her own laptop – it’s something that is just hers, and she has been counting the days since we received an email from the couriers. Today it has arrived and she’s going to be the happiest child ever! Thank you, it’s so appreciated.”
What we learnt along the way
Joining the scheme is easy
The sign-up process was easy, and ongoing biannual reporting is straightforward and quick to complete.
Consider the following tips to ensure everything runs smoothly:
Find a charity that can take larger numbers of devices in one go and deal with the onward supply to the end users, so that you do not end up creating an admin burden trying to organise small donations. Speak to your existing IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) supplier about possible options they may have to assist with this process, including any charity partners they have already, and how they can help you get moving on your journey.The way staff look after their work device directly affects whether it can have a second life
We can only donate Grade B devices – those in cosmetically excellent condition, with at least 75% battery health and no physical damage.
The better people care for their laptop, the higher the chance it ends up helping a child access their homework rather than heading for recycling.
So, make sure to remind your staff about a few simple tips that can make a difference:
Keep your device clean. Use a protective bag when travelling (and where they can order one if available). Treat it with the same care you’d give a personal device. Return replaced devices promptly – the sooner they’re back, the sooner they can be assessed for donation. Line managers – make sure leavers’ equipment is collected quickly so devices don’t sit unused.What’s next for us
Our team is continuously exploring more ways to get value from old IT and AV equipment, with a focus on sustainable reuse wherever possible. As more devices come through the process, we’re looking to build longer-term partnerships with charities like the Digital Poverty Alliance.
Our commitment to this charter is a reminder that small changes in how we manage everyday resources can add up to something meaningful, and we hope this inspires others.
Join the IT Reuse for Good charter
The IT Reuse for Good charter promotes a ‘reuse first’ approach to IT assets (like laptops and smartphones) and is an opportunity for organisations to give their devices a second life by refurbishing and gifting them to someone who is digitally excluded.
Learn more about the scheme and how your organisation can join.