Wildanet calls on businesses to join it’s KIT|24 initiative on International E-Waste Day

Wildanet is using International E-Waste Day (October 14th 2024) to urge businesses in Cornwall and Devon to join it’s KIT|24 initiative which is collecting surplus IT equipment from local organisations across the two counties, refurbishing it and re-homing it to those unable to afford their own through a network of charities and community organisations.

E-Waste is a global issue but also one which affects us all, with 62 billion kg of e-waste generated globally in 2022, according to the latest UN figures.

Wildanet, the Cornwall-based gigabit-capable broadband provider, launched KIT|24 earlier this year in partnership with LEAP B Corp design and impact agency. The aim was to help businesses in Cornwall and Devon contribute towards more responsible management of e-waste at the same time as helping tackle the digital divide.

The scheme aims to collect 2,400 unwanted devices from local organisations - which might otherwise end up in landfill - and re-home them with the support of a network of charity and community-based organisations.

The campaign is already receiving donations from organisations large and small across the region and Wildanet is using International E-Waste Day to call on businesses to redouble their efforts.

Helen Wylde-Archibald, Wildanet CEO, said: “On a day when there is international attention on the issue of E-Waste, we want businesses in Cornwall and Devon to take a close look at their own IT equipment and to work with us through KIT|24 to find sustainable new uses for their unwanted items, for the benefit of the environment and people in the region.

“There is a real opportunity here for Cornwall and Devon to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability as a region and business community, show leadership in the responsible management of E-Waste and help bridge the digital divide by providing access to technology for those in need. I would urge all business to join us in this exciting initiative.”

The process of refurbishing and re-homing items collected through KIT|24 is being facilitated through partnerships with Good Things Foundation (a social change charity that has supported over 3.5 million people to improve their lives through digital), Reconome (experts in secure data wiping and device refurbishment) and Cornish-based IT recycling and refurb specialists Trusted Tech.

Governance of digital tech waste is overseen by The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment or WEEE regulations of 2013. Meeting this governance can be complex and costly when going it alone. Thankfully Reconome and The Good Things Foundation are positioned to simplify and streamline the process.

KIT|24 offers organisations a free, secure and responsible method of repurposing eligible devices. All data on devices donated will be completely wiped and destroyed using industry-leading data wiping technology and software accredited by the UK National Cyber Security Centre using the Ministry of Defence standard to ensure no residual data is retained after the process is complete.

Earlier this year Wildanet became first UK based AltNet (Alternative Network Provider) to become a Certified B Corporation. The prestigious certification recognises Wildanet's commitment to operating as a force for good, prioritising sustainability, ethical practices and social responsibility as part of its successful ‘profit with purpose’ approach to business.

Wildanet’s commitment to sustainability has also seen it win regional and national awards including; UK Fibre Awards 2024 – Bust Sustainability Programme; Cornwall Sustainability Awards 2023 – Most Sustainable Large Business; and Connected Britain Awards 2023 – Sustainability Award.

Any organisations (based in Cornwall or Devon) which have unwanted IT equipment are encouraged to visit www.wildanet.com/kit24 for more details and to register their interest. Eligible devices include laptops, Chromebooks, desktops and network and server equipment. All devices must be in working condition and not broken beyond economical repair.

If you represent a charity or community organisation that could benefit from accessing refurbished devices as part of this scheme (and others like it), you can find out more and register to join the National Digital Inclusion Network at https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/network/about/

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