Connected by Christmas: Tech-Takeback Urges Businesses and Residents to Donate Unused Laptops
Rising Demand Highlights a Deepening Digital Divide
A sharp rise in laptop requests has prompted Tech-Takeback to launch its Connected by Christmas campaign, warning that, despite years of growing digital dependence, many households remain cut off from essential technology.
Applications for the charity’s refurbished laptops have increased by 800%, placing unprecedented pressure on available resources. For the first time, Tech-Takeback says some residents may have to be turned away unless more devices are donated.
While digital access is now a basic requirement for work, education, healthcare and social connection, 21% of people in the local community still do not have a functional device. Nationwide, an estimated 22 million unused laptops are gathering dust in cupboards, drawers and office storage rooms.
As Tech-Takeback noted:
“In today’s digital-first world, exclusion touches every aspect of life. Behind every laptop request is someone trying to secure employment, complete coursework or stay in touch with loved ones.”
A Christmas Target: 300 Laptops Returned to Use
To meet urgent winter demand, Tech-Takeback aims to restore at least 300 unused laptops before Christmas and place them directly with individuals who would otherwise remain offline.
Each donated device undergoes a comprehensive refurbishment process, including:
- GDPR-compliant certified data erasure
- Hardware repairs and upgrades
- Installation of Windows 11 or Chrome OS
- Productivity tools and essential software
Where needed, beneficiaries also receive support with digital skills and internet connectivity, ensuring the devices enable long-term participation – not just temporary access.
The charity estimates that every refurbished laptop can deliver up to £43,000 in measurable social value, supporting improved employment prospects, access to education, community engagement and better health outcomes.
Six months after donation, contributors receive an impact report suitable for CSR and ESG frameworks – demonstrating exactly how their equipment has supported someone’s life.
How Organisations and Individuals Can Support
Tech-Takeback is calling on businesses and residents to help bridge the digital divide through three straightforward actions:
- Donate unused devices: free collection, secure processing and certified data erasure provided.
- Fund a laptop:a contribution of £120 equips someone with a fully refurbished device.
- Raise awareness: share campaign details with teams, clients, networks and community partners.
With community participation, Tech-Takeback hopes to ensure hundreds more people are “connected by Christmas” rather than excluded by a lack of basic digital tools.
Why This Matters for Businesses
Digital exclusion is not only a social challenge but also an economic and workforce issue. As more services, recruitment processes and training programmes shift online, the gap between digitally connected and disconnected residents widens – impacting local labour markets, employability, and community resilience.
Businesses with unused laptops or end-of-cycle IT fleets can make a measurable difference while supporting sustainability and circular economy objectives.