Meet Green Machine Computers. For 12 years, they’ve been on a mission to protect the environment and tackle digital poverty by helping businesses dispose of obsolete IT equipment securely. The Wiltshire-based recycling facility is committed to proper e-waste recycling and disposal. Their accreditations are proof that they handle both data and waste materials in a safe and environmentally friendly way. They repair and reuse absolutely everything possible (down to screws and office furniture), and partner with a number of charities to rehome useful hardware. Working with a refinery, they break down irreparable IT equipment to their core materials, so that these can be melted down and reused. 

This process liberates office space and maintains GDPR compliance while lowering carbon emissions and ensuring these devices benefit less fortunate individuals. Green Machine Computers, with its customers' help, has cut CO2 emissions by 13,500 metric tonnes in the last five years. That's equivalent to powering 1,701 homes for a year. This isn't just about numbers; it's a commitment to sustainability. The dedicated team tests, repairs and reuses every useable component from the devices collected, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. Moreover, Green Machine Computers offers customers a clear breakdown of their CO2 savings.

But what about your data? Many businesses worry about recycling their devices because of the data they contain. However, recycling companies like Green Machine take data security extremely seriously. They wipe all the data from every device they recycle as standard, and can provide certificates to prove this along with a full audit trail of what has been collected. 

Instead of trashing perfectly functional devices, Green Machine Computers specialises in refurbishing and extending the lifespan of electronic equipment. While collecting and diverting this equipment, they’ve been able to refurbish thousands of devices which have then been donated to schools, charities and non-profit organisations across the UK. Green Machine Computers recognise the social inequalities perpetuated by the ‘digital divide’. Through partnerships with schools, charities, and non-profit organisations, they donate refurbished devices to disadvantaged communities. By securely wiping and restoring unwanted technology, the team can rehome devices with people in need who can utilise them for educational, employment, and social opportunities. So far, their donations have supported a wide variety of people, from refugees to local youth groups, from women’s shelters to children’s hospices. Their work has ensured that all of that ‘waste’, has not been wasted.

As our world continues to go digital, our responsibilities grow. Green Machine Computers proves that tackling e-waste is a collective responsibility to build a sustainable future for the technology industry.

Come find us on Wednesday 1st May in the Social Enterprise Village!