As the UK grapples with mounting e-waste, community initiatives like Devon’s Fixy project are leading the way in offering practical, people-powered solutions. The expansion of this innovative project is making it easier than ever for households and businesses in the South West to recycle, refurbish, and reuse unwanted tech — all while helping protect the environment, reduce waste, and foster digital inclusion across Devon.
Fixy is an outreach and recycling project that collects old and unwanted electronic devices — from smartphones and tablets to laptops — and gives them a new lease of life. The initiative connects with local residents by visiting town centres, events, and offices with a Fixy-branded van. Residents donate their old tech, which is then checked, data-wiped, refurbished if possible, and either redistributed to those in need or responsibly recycled.
This approach not only tackles the UK’s growing e-waste problem but also bridges the digital divide, helping those in Devon who lack access to essential digital tools. By combining environmental responsibility with social impact, Fixy’s model is a blueprint for sustainable tech use in the UK.
The UK produces an estimated 23.9kg of e-waste per person each year, one of the highest rates in the world. Much of this ends up in landfill or is shipped abroad, posing risks to the environment and human health.
Reduces e-waste: Recycling keeps hazardous components out of landfill.
Conserves resources: It recovers valuable materials like gold, copper, and silver.
Reduces carbon footprint: Refurbishing and reusing devices saves the energy needed to produce new ones.
Promotes digital inclusion: Refurbished devices can help local families and charities.
The recent expansion sees Fixy growing its team of volunteers, adding new collection points across Devon, and partnering with schools, libraries, and local councils. The project also runs repair workshops, showing people how to safely fix minor faults on their devices with support from trained volunteers.
Everyone in Devon is invited to join in:
Donate your old smartphones, laptops, and tablets at a Fixy van event.
Volunteer to help with collections, repairs, or outreach.
Host a Fixy collection point in schools or community buildings.
Learn basic repair skills at hands-on workshops.
When you donate old tech, the Fixy team wipes all data for your security. Usable items are refurbished and distributed to local charities or families who otherwise couldn’t afford them. Devices beyond repair are sent to certified UK recycling facilities where materials are recovered responsibly.
This means your donation isn’t just keeping harmful e-waste out of landfill — it’s giving someone in your community a vital digital tool for work, learning or staying connected.
Always erase personal data before donating.
Keep original chargers and accessories — these can boost the usefulness of your donation.
Don’t stockpile old devices at home: donate or recycle promptly to ensure safe handling.
Fixy’s success in Devon proves that community-driven recycling and repair projects can make a real difference. By taking part — whether by donating old devices, volunteering, or learning new skills — you’re helping to create a more sustainable, digitally inclusive future for the South West and setting an example for the rest of the UK. Next time you’re wondering what to do with that old phone or unused laptop, remember: a simple donation could spark positive change for someone right on your doorstep.