A Virgin Media O2 and environmental charity Hubbub run tech recycling scheme has helped more than 260,000 people since launching three years ago, latest evaluation has revealed.

Their £1m Time After Time fund sees unwanted devices repaired, reused and recycled, with 18 charities, community groups and public sector organisations supported since 2022.

Almost 10,000 people have donated phones, tablets and other devices, or been involved in repairing and recycling over this time.

This has seen more than 8,000 items repaired, recycled or reused.

In addition, more than 400 people have been trained in tech repair skills “helping them boost employability and digital confidence”, said the tech firm and charity.

Those to benefit include Treverbyn Community Trust, which used the scheme’s funding to run a mobile repair service to support communities in rural Cornwall. This helped 1,300 people.

Another is Foothold Cymru’s ‘Bright Sparks’ initiative in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, which saw 26 young people trained as ‘e-waste ambassadors’ where they learnt how to repair devices and gained confidence to talk about tackling the issue in their community.#

Sustainability strategy

The Time After Time initiative is part of Virgin Media O2’s Better Connections Plan sustainability strategy.

“We’re proud of the scale and impact of Virgin Media O2 and Hubbub’s Time After Time fund, and of the hard-working organisations that have delivered these innovative, community-led projects across the UK,” said the tech firm’s chief sustainability officer Dana Haidan.

“Whether it’s creating conversations and positive action on tackling e-waste, changing people’s perceptions of reusing, repairing or recycling tech, donating smartphones and tablets to help those who are digitally excluded get online, or delivering device repair skills to help people find jobs, the Time After Time fund has changed people’s lives, enriched communities and helped protect the planet.”

Hubbub director and co-founder Gavin Ellis added: “It’s fantastic to see the combined impact of the Time After Time fund changing real lives across the country.

“Hubbub and Virgin Media O2 are delighted the Fund has supported these projects to grow and adapt to issues like flooding, venue changes and working with vulnerable groups.

“We’re proud to share the Fund’s outcomes and the amazing work of the funded partners that show old devices can transform lives, prevent electricals from becoming e-waste and build stronger communities. We hope more organisations will feel inspired and empowered to support this important mission.”

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