Computer resurrection scheme in the running for top UK award

An IT recycling service run by Perth College has been nominated for a top award.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Centre, also known as WEEE, fixes up old, damaged and outdated machines.

Donated items, including laptops, desktop PCs, mobile phones and tables, are brought back to life and sold on at an affordable price. Anything that is not used can be recycled for parts.

Now the WEEE project has been named as a finalist in this year’s Green Gown Awards, a scheme which recognises and rewards exceptional sustainability initiatives by universities and colleges.

The Perth College centre will fly the flag for Scotland in the Employability category, competing against schemes in Leeds, Nottingham, London and Wales.

Kate Sargent, Perth WEEE Centre coordinator said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted and have the work we do and the benefits for the students recognised nationally.

“Our project intends to create opportunities for young people working in technology to gain experience of working in a sustainability role.”

She said: “Waste IT is collected by the WEEE Centre through various methods and computing students complete work experience, allowing them to build confidence in a work environment.

“Run as a not-for-profit enterprise, refurbished items are them sold on, with proceeds of sales feeding back into the student journey, such as funding for materials, student scholarships and field trips.”

The centre also makes donations of equipment to local and international charities.