Helping to reduce e-waste and get more GM residents online
Every year, thousands of laptops, tablets and smartphones are retired by organisations across Greater Manchester. Too often, these devices are stored away, prematurely recycled, or written off entirely — even when they still have years of life left.
Electronic waste is one of the fastest‑growing waste streams globally, carrying a significant carbon footprint linked to manufacturing, transport and disposal. Extending the life of existing devices is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce that impact.
The Greater Manchester Technology Fund takes a circular‑economy approach to the problem. Instead of defaulting to recycling, the programme prioritises reuse by refurbishing IT equipment so it can be put back into circulation locally. Each reused device represents materials saved, emissions avoided and demand reduced for new manufacturing.
Delivered by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the GM Tech Fund works with organisations of all sizes to securely collect end‑of‑life devices. Equipment is professionally data‑wiped, assessed and refurbished through a fully managed process. Devices that can be reused are upgraded and redistributed to people across Greater Manchester who would otherwise struggle to get online, while equipment that cannot be refurbished is recycled responsibly.
This model delivers environmental and social benefits side by side. Reuse reduces e‑waste and supports Greater Manchester’s ambitions around waste reduction and resource efficiency. At the same time, access to a reliable digital device helps residents connect to work, learning, health services and community support.
For organisations, the process is designed to be straightforward and zero‑cost, removing common barriers to responsible IT disposal. Secure collection, full asset tracking and certified data destruction are all built in, ensuring environmental responsibility does not come at the expense of data security.
What happens to old tech is a choice. You can help by:
- Donating surplus laptops, tablets or smartphones from your organisation for reuse
- Making a pledge via the GMCA website to donate unused devices when they become available
- Introducing the GM Tech Fund to other organisations that may have unused devices
- Sharing the GM Tech Fund through your networks and partnerships to help keep more tech in use for longer
To find out more or request an information pack, email GMCADigital@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk
