Community
Computers
I.T recycling with a social conscience
Raising the Standard with ISO 9001:2015
Achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification demonstrates our unwavering commitment to quality, consistency, and continuous improvement in every aspect of our IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) services. This internationally recognized standard ensures that our processes are not only efficient and well-documented, but also focus on delivering the highest levels of customer satisfaction and regulatory compliance.
For businesses partnering with us, this means greater peace of mind. You can trust that your retired IT assets are handled with precision, transparency, and accountability—minimizing risk, maximizing value recovery, and supporting your sustainability goals. Our ISO 9001:2015 certification is more than a badge—it’s a promise of excellence in every interaction.
Supporting Local Residents
In June 2024, we began our in-person events throughout Trafford. A series of 4 popup shops brought subsidised devices in to the heart of communities that needed a little extra help bridging the digital divide.
As a result, we offer refurbished laptops for just £60 — designed for individuals who can contribute toward the cost but cannot afford the full retail price.
We believe this approach empowers people to buy their own quality device, something they can use to stay connected with family, complete school assignments, write a CV, book GP appointments or shop online with ease.
Moreover, it was a privilege to witness the impact we made at our first event in Old Trafford.
HOW WE DID IN 2024
Affordable Devices into Homes
Free Devices to the Community
Devices Saved From Landfill
Tonnes of Carbon Emissions Saved
WORKING ACROSS STOCKPORT, TRAFFORD & MANCHESTER
Closing the Digital Divide in Greater Manchester
Our vision is to help deliver quality, affordable or free devices to low-income individuals and families across Greater Manchester – including Stockport, Manchester and Trafford. With your support, we can help more people to get online and stay connected.
Through our Device Shop, pop-up stores and various partnerships, we have supported over hundreds of households, community groups, schools and vulnerable adults , but thousands more still lack access to the technology they need for education, employment, and essential services.
We are actively seeking new partners including local authorities, businesses with redundant IT equipment, and community organisations — to help us bridge the digital gap across every part of Greater Manchester.
Donate Your Retired IT Equipment. Partner with us. Help someone get connected today!
DATA DESTRUCTION – AT OUR CORE
Data destruction and GDPR compliance are at the heart of what we do. We use specialized equipment, processes, and certified software to securely wipe or destroy all types of sensitive data.
Our key tools include:
-
Crunch 250 Data Destroyer – A powerful machine that crushes up to 500 hard drives or SSDs per hour. It also has an adapter for destroying individual chips on NVMe and SSD drives, ensuring even the smallest components are put beyond use.
-
DataGauss – A degaussing machine that uses electromagnetic charges to destroy data on hard drives and magnetic tape storage.
We also use ADISA certified software to perform secure data wipes using methods such as ATA Secure Erase, Sanitise Block Erase, and DoD-M standards.
A detailed data destruction certificate is generated to include device details, destruction method and verification of successful destruction.
Why choose Community computers?
working towards industry certification
Since attained ISO 9001:2015 certification, audited by ADISA in May 2025, Community Computers has been actively working towards achieving ADISA (Asset Disposal and Information Security Alliance) Certification—one of the highest industry standards for secure IT asset disposal.
We are always improving by investing in staff training, assessing and reducing risks, and strengthening our work processes—showing our ongoing commitment to data security and quality.
Environmental impact
We extend the life of IT equipment and reduce e-waste by refurbishing devices responsibly.
Recycling your IT equipment with us ensures that all hazardous materials—such as mercury and internal gases—are safely and legally disposed of in compliance with WEEE regulations.
Renewal North West is registered with the Environment Agency for the processing of electrical, electronic, and IT waste. We are also certified waste carriers, providing a secure and compliant end-to-end recycling solution.
TACKLING UNEMPLOYMENT AND DIGITAL EXCLUSION
Choosing Community Computers for your IT recycling means not only just protecting the environment — you are making a real difference in people’s lives.
Your donated equipment is either recycled responsibly or refurbished securely. This supports skills training, work experience, and employment for those who have been long-term unemployed. It also helps us provide affordable or free technology to individuals and organisations tackling digital exclusion.
Community Computers is a not-for-profit initiative by Renewal North West —all proceeds directly support our mission to help people back into work.
We collect from businesses for free* and provide full asset tracking and data destruction without any charges**.
Residents can drop off IT donations at any open Stockport or Manchester library.
You can find your local library and its opening time at Stockport.gov.uk/opening-times-libraries
*Free collections are based on location and quantity and type of devices being collected
**Free asset tracking and data destruction is free for 99% of instances where there are enough devices of a suitable type to cover the cost of service
Who are we?
Community Computers is a not-for-profit initiative operated by the registered charity Renewal North West (Charity No. 1145056).
We specialise in recycling donated IT equipment, turning it into affordable and fully licensed refurbished devices for individuals, families, and community organisations — all while helping to reduce e-waste and promote digital inclusion.
As a Digital Alliance Partner to tackle digital exclusion, we work closely with:
- Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
- Manchester City Council
- Trafford Council
- Stockport’s Digital Device Lending Library with Starting Point Community Learning Partnership
What We Do
- Refurbish & Reuse IT Equipment
We securely refurbish and license donated computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones — extending the life of technology and offering low-cost or free devices to those in need.
- Create Jobs and Skills Training
We provide employment, work experience and training for individuals who have been long-term unemployed, supporting their journey back into work.
- Reduce E-Waste & Protect the Environment
We prevent reusable metals and components from ending up in landfill by refurbishing IT equipment and safely disposing of all hazardous materials. This process significantly reduces carbon emissions and supports a sustainable and circular economy.
- Support Digital Inclusion Locally
We maintain loan devices for Stockport’s Digital Device Library to support local communities to ensure people can access and use technology with confidence.
- Run Pop-up Shops in the Community
We bring devices directly in the heart of disadvantaged communities to support who are in need.
- Gift Refurbished Laptops
We gift approximately 25% of our refurbished laptops to local community groups and people who are in hardship completely free of charge.
