An opportunity for staff and students to clear out any unwanted personal or university-owned IT equipment and put it to better use.
Free up space and do something great—The Big Tech Drop-off helps you ditch the clutter and support a meaningful cause.
By clearing out your old or unwanted IT equipment, you'll help give it a second life, support the local community and reduce electronic waste. You'll also be supporting the University's efforts and commitments to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of our operations. The process is simple, secure and environmentally responsible.
A message from the Director of Sustainability and Space Management.
'Taking part in the Big Tech Drop-Off is a simple, impactful way for students and staff to support our University’s sustainability goals. By reducing e-waste, encouraging responsible disposal and shifting toward a culture of responsible consumption, we can collectively start tackling this complex sustainability challenge.' Richard Jackson, Director of Sustainability and Space Management.
The collection runs for two weeks, with multiple convenient drop-off points across campus. Start sorting your unwanted tech now and take it to the location that suits you best.
Please note: Drop-off points are open on weekdays only.
| Location | Dates | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Virgil Building (Reception Desk) | 27 May – 6 June | 9am–5pm |
| IT Service Desk (Library) | 27 May – 6 June | 8am–4pm |
| 8 West 1.28 | 2 June – 6 June | 8am–4pm |
You can drop off any unwanted IT equipment. It’s your chance to clear out that drawer of tangled cables and the cupboard full of outdated devices.
Some examples of what you can bring:
If you're not sure if your item is eligible for drop-off, submit a ticket via the Self-Service Portal, and we’ll let you know. If we can take it, we will.
Find out how to locate collection points and parking, arrange collection for large items, and prepare devices with personal data.
Use the campus map to find drop-off locations and parking nearby.
For specific details on the Virgil Building, visit the Vigil building location page.
If you have a large item, such as a photocopier or large printer that you are unable to drop off, submit a request for collection via the Self-Service Portal. Please note that standard desktop PCs are considered transportable and should be dropped off at one of the designated locations - choose the one closest to a convenient car park.
Please ensure any personal or sensitive data has been removed. If this is not possible, let us know when you drop it off - we’ll handle your device securely in line with the highest industry standards for data protection.
Our certified partner, Blackmore UK, is accredited under ADISA ICT Asset Recovery Standard 8.0 — a leading industry benchmark for secure and compliant data sanitisation.
Your tech donations help reduce e-waste, enable reuse through second-hand purchasing, minimise expenditure and contribute to a more sustainable future. Every item you bring supports our sustainability efforts.
Reduce waste & costs
By dropping off your tech, you help the University reduce e-waste and upgrade costs, especially as part of the Windows 11 project, which requires the replacement of over 3,000 devices due to incompatibility with the new operating system. Your contribution may help to reduce the cost of purchasing new devices by allowing us to repurpose and reuse existing ones wherever possible.
Reuse and extend the life of tech
Devices that are still functional get a second life. Blackmore UK, our trusted partner, saves around 300kg CO₂e for every laptop that they refurbish.
Recycle responsibly
For devices that can’t be reused, Blackmore ensures responsible recycling through a zero-landfill process, working with certified recycling partners to ensure no part ends up in the landfill.
Discounted refurbished IT equipment for staff and students
Staff and students can take advantage of a 15% discount on refurbished tech at blackmoreit.com. Use code UOBATH15 to browse affordable, professionally refurbished devices.
Find out the impact of our contributions.
Once the campaign ends, we'll share a summary of what was collected and how it was processed. This will include:
Learn more about the University’s efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability
Explore our sustainability efforts