Recyle-IT! Bolton could win Biffa waste reduction award

A new Bolton enterprise which recycles old IT equipment has been shortlisted for an award just months after opening in the town centre.

Recycle IT, which is based in the Market Place Shopping Centre, opened in April, to save gadgets from landfill while supporting the community by providing work placements and training opportunities in IT refurbishment to vetted probationers, people with autism and learning difficulties, and T-level students.

Recycle IT, is one of five innovative waste reduction projects shortlisted to win Biffa’s Change Makers competition.

The competition recognises businesses with innovative ideas, working hard to have a sustainable impact on their local community and environment. 

Working hard (Image: Recycle-IT!)

The winner will be announced on June 11 and will receive £10,000 to invest in their project, alongside tailored business support from Biffa, the UK leader in sustainable waste management. 

Read more: New Bolton town centre IT firm fighting back against today's 'throwaway culture' 

Read more: Bolton Council bid to become net zero by 2030 'unachievable'

John Hastings, who founded Recycle IT in 2021, said: “We help bridge the digital divide by redistributing refurbished gadgets to those in our community who need them most, while supporting the community with training opportunities in IT refurbishment.

“We have already diverted more than 24 tonnes of waste from landfill, and with Biffa's support, we could process an additional 20,000 electronic items over the next three years and provide 1,000 training opportunities." 

The store in Market Place (Image: Newsquest)

Ben Aldred, Biffa’s Regional Commercial Manager, said: “We received so many inspiring entries from businesses and entrepreneurs working to reduce waste. 

“We were looking for businesses with an innovative idea, working hard to have a sustainable impact on their local community and environment. We believe our finalists’ businesses do just that and are excited at the prospect of working with them to support what comes next.

“We will work with all our five finalists offering practical business support and guidance to build on their sustainability plans.” 

This comes after Recycle-IT! opened its store in the Market Place Shopping Centre in April. 

Founder, John Hastings, wants to helps reform offenders with the enterprise, having been one himself in the 2000s. 

Once the computer equipment is refurbished, they sell it on at a fraction of its typical value.