A tech amnesty in Somerset is set to offer a second life to old gadgets.
Donate IT, a charity dedicated to reusing and recycling technology, will host the collection event at Frome Town Hall on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10am to 1pm.
The group is inviting the public to donate unwanted digital devices such as smartphones, laptops, desktop computers, and consoles.
Simon Barfoot, founder of Donate IT, said: "Did you receive a new laptop, tablet, smartphone or console for Christmas?
"So many old devices end up forgotten in drawers – yours doesn’t have to.
"We can refurbish your old device, wipe it of all your personal data and give it to someone who needs it.
"We work with the isolated, elderly, people in rehab, domestic violence charities, displaced people; anyone struggling to have a good quality of life because they can’t get connected.
"And if your device can’t be donated, it can still be useful.
"We’ll arrange for the precious metals inside to be recycled and used for new devices."
Mr Barfoot founded Donate IT in 2021 in partnership with Sarah Dyke, who is now the Liberal Democrat MP for Glastonbury and Somerton.
The charity was born out of the growing digital divide seen during lockdown.
Since its launch, Donate IT has distributed 2,000 refurbished devices.
Cllr Anne Hills praised the environmental and social impact of their work.
She said: "The Donate IT team do such a brilliant job.
"In addition to the environmental benefit of reusing tech devices, we know that many people in our town feel excluded from participation in the digital world because of the cost.
"Getting a repurposed smartphone or tablet, plus training, free of charge, opens up opportunities for people who want to gain digital confidence, making appointments, finding work, researching the things that interest them, communicating with friends and family and much more."
Donate IT now operates 50 drop-off points across Somerset.
Frome Town Council collects devices for the charity year-round and hosts two amnesties each year.
In the event of bad weather on the day of the event, it will move indoors and signage will be provided.
Devices can also be donated at Frome Town Hall throughout the year.
For more information, visit the Donate IT website.
