The Big Tech Drop-Off helps staff and students clear out unwanted IT equipment and put it to better use. By passing on your old or unwanted tech, you help give it a second life, support the local community and reduce electronic waste. You also support the University's wider commitment to sustainability and to reducing the environmental impact of our operations. The process is 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.
There are two ways to pass on tech you no longer need, depending on whether a drop-off event is running.
Staff can return unused University-owned IT equipment at any time. Submit a request through the Return University IT Equipment form on the Self-Service Portal and we will arrange for it to be reused or recycled.
We also run drop-off events across campus at points during the year. During an event, anyone can take part: staff and students can bring any unwanted tech, personal or University-owned, to one of the collection points. When the next event is confirmed, the dates, times and locations will be published here.
During a drop-off event you can bring 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It's your chance to clear out that drawer of tangled cables and the cupboard full of outdated devices.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.
Whether you're returning a device or bringing one to an event, a little prep keeps your data safe and the handover smooth.
Please ensure any personal or sensitive data has been removed. If this is not possible, let us know when you drop it off and 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.
If you have a large item, such as a photocopier or large printer, that you can't drop off, submit a request for collection via the Self-Service Portal. Standard desktop PCs are considered transportable and should be brought to a collection point during an event.
When a drop-off event is running, the collection points and nearest parking will be listed here, along with a link to the campus map.
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 and 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.
We report back after every drop-off event, so you can see the difference it made:
Learn more about the University’s efforts to reduce waste and promote sustainability
Explore our sustainability efforts