Local technology company helps with IT recycling programme

Computer support and IT specialists, First Class Technologies (FCT), are helping The Community Foundation for Staffordshire with its Donate IT Digital Scheme.

First Class is helping The Community Foundation for Staffordshire by reviewing donated technology from recycling centres around Staffordshire.

The work being done by FCT is to help individuals who do not have access to technology, a luxury most take for granted. The ever-upgrading rate of technology leaves a plethora of unused electronic units. To date, FCT has repurposed around 100 redundant computers, laptops and tablets to establish whether they can be successfully factory reset and reformatted to extend the life of each device.

Richard Hinton (pictured), managing director of First Class Technologies, said: “E-waste is a growing waste stream across the world, so we 're proud to be doing our bit to give these older devices a new lease of life. It 's a pleasure to be supporting The Community Foundation for Staffordshire with this project by donating our staff 's time free of charge to review, factory reset and reformat devices in order that they can be rehomed to those who desperately need access to such technology. ”

Jo Cooper, the community foundation for Staffordshire, said: “We 're very grateful to First Class Technologies for providing the expertise and time to support this important cause.

“These refurbished computers can be distributed to individuals and small community groups across Staffordshire, including children, young people, the elderly and disabled including those who are financially vulnerable, as well as some voluntary groups across the county, offering life changing opportunities and helping to reduce isolation and loneliness. ”

For further information or to donate some equipment, email [email protected] for more details.

Alternatively, visit the website here for more info.