All items · Electrical
Computers, phones and other data-holding devices
Also covers: pc, desktop computer, laptop, hard disk, macbook, tablet, mobile phone, games console, smart watch
Why shops refuse it
Many shops do not have a secure process for checking and wiping personal data, although specialist reuse schemes and some charities do accept these devices.
What to do instead
Factory-reset first. Computer reuse charities wipe drives to standard, and many charities take phones by post for recycling.
Charity by charity
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Can't accept
British Red Cross
Copyright law forbids the resale of computers containing software.
Their wording
“Computer hard drives”
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Can't accept
Cancer Research UK
New items can be sold. Also used drives, SD cards and USB sticks (new ones can be sold).
Their wording
“Used Mobile phones, PCs, laptops or tablets”
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Can't accept
Claire House Children's Hospice
Hard drives, SD cards or USB sticks accepted only if brand new and factory sealed; computers, laptops and tablets otherwise not accepted.
Their wording
“Desktops, laptops, or tablets”
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Can't accept
Cornwall Hospice Care
Their wording
“Personal Computers (PCs), computer hard drives and unusable laptops”
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Can't accept
DEBRA
Also covers mobile phones, tablets and games consoles.
Their wording
“Computers and laptops”
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Can't accept
FARA Charity Shops
Their wording
“computer hard drives”
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Can't accept
Great Western Air Ambulance Charity
Covers electronic devices holding personal data and hard drives; small electrical items without data storage are otherwise accepted.
Their wording
“Electronic devices with personal data”
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Can't accept
Oxfam
Single computers, mobile phones and tablets not accepted from individuals; companies donating multiple computer units are welcomed.
Their wording
“Single computers (but we would be happy to hear from your company if you would like to donate multiple units)”
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Can't accept
Phyllis Tuckwell
broad category rule
No electrical items of any kind currently accepted
Their wording
“Unfortunately we are currently unable to accept any electrical items or suitcases.”
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Can't accept
Princess Alice Hospice
Their wording
“Computers, monitors or printers”
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Can't accept
Salvation Army (SATCoL)
Includes tablets, laptops, desktops and mobile devices.
Their wording
“IT equipment containing hard drives including tablets, laptops, desktop computers and mobile devices”
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Can't accept
Shaw Trust
Donors are redirected to Computer Aid International.
Their wording
“Computer Aid International (computers)”
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Can't accept
St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP)
Their wording
“Software and hardware”
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Can't accept
Sue Ryder
Also excludes mobile phones and e-readers.
Their wording
“laptops, personal computers, and tablets - we can't ensure they are wiped of personal data”
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Can't accept
Trinity Hospice (Blackpool)
Their wording
“Desktop computers / computer towers”
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Can't accept
Wales Air Ambulance
Includes laptops, personal computers, tablets, mobile phones and e-readers
Their wording
“Laptops, personal computers and tablets”
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Check first
Dorothy House
Computers/laptops only if hard drive professionally cleaned or removed; mobile phones only if factory reset
Their wording
“unless the hard drive has been professionally cleaned or removed”
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Check first
Save the Children
broad category rule
Exception: accepted at selected stores — donors are told to check first.
Their wording
“unable to accept electrical goods (except in selected stores - please check first)”
-
Check first
St Barnabas Hospice (Lincolnshire)
Hard drives specifically are not accepted, but old mobile phones are explicitly accepted
Their wording
“Computer hard drives”
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Accepted
Barnardo's
Explicitly welcomed, unlike most charities' policies on data-holding devices.
Their wording
“Technology Including mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and camera”
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Accepted
Overgate Hospice
Explicitly accepted, unlike many charities that refuse data-storing devices.
Their wording
“Computer hard drives, laptops and notepads”
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Accepted
St Christopher's Hospice
Mobile phones accepted for recycling
Not mentioned in 22 charities' guidance
Absence from a charity's list doesn't mean they accept it — it just isn't singled out. Ask your local shop.
- Not mentioned Acorns Children's Hospice
- Not mentioned Age UK
- Not mentioned British Heart Foundation
- Not mentioned Crisis
- Not mentioned Dogs Trust
- Not mentioned Emmaus
- Not mentioned Keech Hospice Care
- Not mentioned LOROS Hospice
- Not mentioned Marie Curie
- Not mentioned Octavia Foundation
- Not mentioned PDSA
- Not mentioned Samaritans
- Not mentioned Scope
- Not mentioned Sense Scotland
- Not mentioned Shelter
- Not mentioned St Giles Hospice
- Not mentioned St Peter's Hospice
- Not mentioned The Children's Trust
- Not mentioned Traid
- Not mentioned Willen Hospice
- Not mentioned Woodgreen Pets Charity
- Not mentioned YMCA (England & Wales)