Co-op is opening more technology recycling pods across the UK as part of its trial with Spring.

The tech-recirculation start-up first partnered with Co-op last October with the launch of its “high-tech” self-service pods in 20 of the retailer’s convenience stores in London.

Co-op said that the partnership aims to make recirculating electronic devices that can be reused or recycled more accessible to avoid e-waste and keep valuable materials in use for longer.

According to research from the Royal Society Of Chemistry, UK households and businesses produce around 1.45 million tonnes of electrical waste each year.

The kiosk-style pods accept nearly 14,000 different devices, including: phones; tablets; e-readers; and smartwatches.

Customers receive payment into their Spring account within 1-3 days of handing over their device.

“Co-op’s partnership with Spring will enable more communities to recycle or reuse their electronic devices locally, unlocking the value in forgotten phones and other unwanted tech and, importantly, preventing unnecessary and avoidable e-waste,” said Mark Matthews, Co-op’s director of innovation and format. “If we are going to have a natural environment which we are proud to pass on to future generations we need action to be taken now.

“By making it easier for consumers to make small changes to their everyday lives, together, it can add up to make a big difference for our environment.”

Following the launch last year, the initiative has now been rolled-out to selected Co-op stores in: Birmingham; Brighton; Leeds and Manchester.

Image credit: The Co-op Group

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