Bolton Council has donated 94 of its laptops to help more residents to get online and access vital digital services.
The devices, which became obsolete following Microsoft’s upgrade to Windows 11, have been handed to Recycle-IT to be reconditioned.
Across the UK, 1.6 million adults do not have access to a smartphone or laptop, and in Greater Manchester, approximately 205,600 adults do not have reliable access to a digital device.
Recycle-IT is a Bolton based Social Enterprise that reconditions unwanted IT equipment for use by local residents who cannot afford the cost of new technology.
The devices will be reconfigured for Windows 11, and half of these will be returned to Bolton Council’s Digital, Employment and Skills team to help people digitally excluded in the borough.
The remaining laptops will be offered free or sold at a low cost to local residents with limited means, providing life changing opportunities in accessing services, jobs and learning in the digital world.
Recycle-IT has grown quickly over the last four years and is now based in Bolton’s town centre in the Market Place Shopping Centre.
To date, they have collected 71 tonnes of e-waste, saving valuable equipment from landfill, providing more than 3,000 devices to local residents, and given volunteers 14,000 hours of valuable works experience.
John Hastings, founder of Recycle-IT said:
“The council’s donation of laptops will have a real and immediate impact as more Bolton College students and volunteers will gain valuable hands‑on work experience refurbishing devices that strengthen their technical and problem-solving skills.
“We will also be able to provide the refurbished laptops to residents at a fraction of the price of brand‑new equipment, helping to close Bolton’s digital divide.”
Cllr Nick Peel, Leader of Bolton Council and Digital Lead for Greater Manchester, said:
“I’m proud that we’ve a strong network of partner organisations and volunteers in Bolton who help disadvantaged people, and my heartfelt thanks goes to John at Recycle‑IT who works tirelessly to make a real difference to our digitally excluded communities.
“When people can confidently access the digital world, they unlock life changing opportunities, helping them with jobs, education, health services, and staying connected with loved ones.
“Recycling IT really makes sense, saving waste from landfill to protect the environment, and helps more people access digital opportunities.
“If people have unwanted IT items, then please get in touch with Recycle-IT at the Market Place.”
You can donate any unwanted IT equipment via recycle-it.org.uk
If you want help to get online or to access free digital equipment or training, visit the Bolton Digital, Employment and Skills website www.boltondes.org.uk or call 01204 332853.