Passing on a previously used laptop might seem like a simple act of generosity, but according to Sellafield, its laptop recycling scheme is key to boosting educational attainment.
The initiative, in partnership with IT supplier Atos and the Information Services Organisation (ISO), is now in its fourth year of repurposing decommissioned laptops that are no longer suitable for Sellafield’s secure network into vital educational tools for those that need them most.
Sellafield’s laptop recycling scheme increases productivity in education
Over the past 18 months, Sellafield’s social impact team has revisited recipients to understand the real-world impact of its laptop recycling scheme.
The results speak volumes.
Thanks to partnerships with Western Excellence in Leadership and Learning (WELL) Programme and Laptops for Kids in Warrington, schools have introduced new courses in graphic design, film, photography, and engineering. These opportunities are helping disadvantaged students build confidence, develop digital skills, and thrive in a technology-driven world.
Teachers, too, are seeing the benefits. With access to reliable, modern devices, they can focus more on teaching and less on troubleshooting outdated equipment, saving time and reducing frustration.
Pam Collis and Emma Graham, from the ISO team within Sellafield Ltd, who introduced this process within ISO, explained the importance of the initiative: “We all recognise the vital role modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays in the workplace, and the same holds true for school classrooms.
“The future workforce needs access to the right tools, software, and equipment to develop their skills and progress. Without this access, they risk being left behind.”
Community impacts of the scheme
The laptop recycling scheme’s reach extends beyond the classroom. Local charities have utilised donated laptops to support young people in researching opportunities, such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award, while others have transitioned from bulky desktop setups to lightweight laptops.
This shift has enabled them to repurpose space for adult learning and job-seeking support, amplifying the scheme’s community impact.
Sustainability and community development go hand-in-hand
Sellafield’s commitment to social value continues to drive innovation in how surplus assets can be used for the public good, proving that sustainability and community development can go hand in hand.
“By sharing ICT equipment that no longer meets our needs, we realised we could tackle digital poverty and boost digital literacy,” said Collins and Graham.
“While we donate the devices, our supply chain partner Atos cleans, repairs, and prepares them for reuse, ensuring our data is securely removed. It’s truly a collaborative effort.”
They concluded: “Our social impact team collaborates with projects and groups to make sure these devices reach those who need them most. And it’s not just schools, local charities, and community groups can benefit as well.”
