Our impact

The environmental impact of tech reuse

1,267

tonnes CO2e saved

Equivalent to the CO2 absorbed by 60,000 trees in one year.

102

tonnes collected

41

tonnes reused

(Scope 3)

(since November 2020)

260k

Equivalent to the water in 104 Olympic swimming pools

m3e water saved

120

tonnes chemicals saved

Equivalent to the combined weight of 20-30 African elephants.

21m

mj/y depletion of natural fossil resources

This energy could power 2,000 UK homes for a year.

1,243

Equivalent to the weight of 8-16 typical 3 bed houses (UK)

tonnes materials saved

(avoiding mining rare earths)

60

tonnes recycled

155

tonnes CO2e saved

Equivalent to the CO2 absorbed by a further 7,400 trees in a year.

(Scope 3)

The environmental impact of tech recycling

(since November 2020)

5

tonnes ferrous material

Equivalent to the weight of 3-4 passenger cars

3.5

tonnes plastic

Equivalent to 194,000 plastic water bottles

7.5

tonnes aluminium

Enough to make 569,000 fizzy drink cans

2.6

tonnes PCBs

Enough to make 100,000 large laptop circuit boards

0.24

0.16

tonnes magnesium

tonnes rare earths

Enough for 2,000 lightweight laptop shells

Enough for the motors of 60 electric vehicles

5.3

tonnes display glass

Enough to make 13,000 wine bottles

3.8

Methodology

tonnes of batteries

Enough for 75,000 smartphone batteries

We calculate our impact using the actual weights of every item we’ve reused or recycled since 2020.

For IT and tech devices, we apply our TTB CircularIT model, which uses manufacturer life‑cycle data and sector studies to estimate per‑kg savings in CO2e, water, mined materials, fossil resources and chemicals, as well as materials recovered through recycling.

For earlier non‑tech electricals, we use the legacy FRN/Ademe factors from our original Tech‑Takeback model, applied per kg to maintain consistency with historic reporting. Combining both approaches gives a clear, best‑evidence picture of the total environmental benefit created across all collections to date.

A proportion of our profits and reusable laptops support digital inclusion through Tech‑Takeback Foundation, an independent UK charity that helps people access devices, connectivity and digital skills.

13,400

Devices to charities and individuals in need

Since November 2020

Average social value of one laptop for digital inclusion

Using HACT Framework

Social value

£43,000