The report focused on social value from several streams:
- The creation of new jobs in the repair and reuse economy.
- A reduction in household expenditure by offering high-quality reused items at low prices.
- Assistance for people back into employment through digital inclusion, e.g., the provision of reused laptops.
- Increased capture of rare earth metals from the disassembly of end-of-life products.
- A contribution to cutting carbon by reducing the need for new product manufacturing.
The report highlighted that there is still further opportunity for technology reuse, estimating that there are currently approximately 20 million unused laptops in UK households which could generate up to £44 billion in social value.
The research was produced by circular technology initiative Tech-Takeback.
Jodi Harford, COO at Tech-Takeback, said: “This report demonstrates that reuse is more than just an alternative to recycling — it can be a powerful catalyst for community transformation.
“Our Social Value calculations show that every reused item, whether a piece of tech or another everyday product, can create jobs, reduce costs, and boost well-being. We’re excited to share these insights and show how reuse organisations can play a pivotal role in moving us toward a more sustainable, inclusive future.”
Lee Marshall, CIWM’s director of innovation and technical services, said: “Waste policy has not always been strong on reuse activities, and it will need to strengthen if we are to move towards a more circular economy.
“By demonstrating the social value associated with reuse activities, we can hopefully accelerate the move toward them becoming more mainstream than they currently are. This report is a useful insight into how social value can be calculated and assessed for the reuse of laptops and other equipment.”
CIWM and Tech-Takeback also provided recommendations for other organisations looking to measure their social value. The full report can be viewed here.
Want to hear more from Take-Techback COO Jodi Hartford? Come along to the Letsrecycle.com WEEE Conference on 12 March 2025 in London. Find out more and buy tickets here.
