Recycling phones and IT devices 

Donate a tablet or laptop for reuse

If you have a tablet or laptop you no longer use, you could donate your device to our Reuse IT scheme at Ormeau Recycling Centre. These devices will be refurbished and given to people who need them in the community. 

Check your device is suitable

Before you donate a laptop of tablet, you need to check the device is suitable for reuse. The device must:

• be less than five years old
• have an uncracked screen and casing
• have an intact battery
• switch on

You should leave the device’s charger if you have it.

How to donate your device

At Ormeau Recycling Centre, we have a shed with a secure locker to collect donated devices.

To donate a laptop or tablet:

1. Open a drawer and take a padded envelope.
2. Put your device and charger into the envelope.
3. Complete a form if you want to receive confirmation about whether your device has been reused or recycled.
4. Place the envelope and form in the drawer.
5. Lock the drawer, remove the key and drop it into the hole at the top of the lockers.

To donate more than one device, use a separate drawer and complete a form for each device.

These instructions are also displayed at Ormeau Recycling Centre. You can ask our staff for help if necessary. Staff on site do not have access to locker keys or donated devices.

Check opening times at Ormeau Recycling Centre.

What happens to your device?

We’ve partnered with Ignite IT to ensure all donated devices are handled securely. This ensures:

• devices are checked and all personal data is wiped. 
• suitable devices are repaired, upgraded, and loaded with new software. 
• devices that can’t be reused are responsibly recycled, with all data destroyed in the process. 

A circular economy

Reuse IT is an example of a circular economy project. The circular economy model creates a more sustainable pattern of consumption, production and waste. This has obvious environmental benefits and also delivers social and economic benefits at the same time.