Residents encouraged to donate unwanted tech at new North Dorset drop-off point

Residents in Sturminster Newton can donate unwanted laptops, mobile phones and other smart devices at a new technology drop-off point in the town.

The new collection point at The Learning Centre at The Exchange will help tackle digital exclusion and reduce electronic waste by giving unwanted technology a second life.

As part of the Donate IT and Fixy Project network, the venue provides a local collection point for residents across north Dorset to donate devices they no longer need.

Donated items are securely refurbished and redistributed to individuals, families and community organisations across Dorset.

The scheme helps people access technology for education, employment, training, healthcare and everyday services, supporting those who might struggle to get online.

It also keeps valuable devices in use for longer, reducing waste and preventing reusable technology from ending up in landfill.

Cllr Jack Jeanes, Dorset Council's Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:

"Many people have old phones, tablets or laptops sitting unused at home without realising how valuable they could be to someone else.

"Donating a device is a simple action that can make a real difference, helping people to access what they need and stay connected with family and friends.

"This project also supports Dorset Council's ambitions to build stronger communities, improve opportunities and reduce waste.

"By reusing devices, we're helping tackle digital exclusion while supporting our response to the climate and nature crisis."

The scheme can only accept certain types of technology for refurbishment and reuse. Printers and computer monitors cannot be accepted. 

Drop-off location

The Learning Centre, The Exchange
Old Market Hill
Sturminster Newton
DT10 1QU

Opening hours

• Monday, 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Wednesday, 9.30am to 4.30pm

Residents are encouraged to check that their item can be accepted before visiting the collection point.

Accepted items

• Laptops and tablets
• PCs, desktops and towers
• Mobile phones and smartphones
• Digital cameras
• Smart devices, smart speakers and smart watches
• Servers, routers and hard drives
• Games consoles and accessories
• All-in-one computers
• External disk drives
• Freeview recorders and CCTV devices
• Wireless access points, docking stations and port replicators

Items that cannot be accepted

• Printers
• Computer monitors

People should include cables, chargers and plugs wherever possible, as this can increase the likelihood of devices being successfully refurbished and reused. Please remember that printers and monitors cannot be donated through the scheme.

Donate IT is a charity that tackles digital exclusion by collecting, refurbishing and redistributing technology to people and organisations in need. Working with the Fixy Project network of collection points, it helps keep devices in use for longer and reduces electronic waste.

Before any donated technology is reused, all data is securely removed ensuring no personal information is transferred with the device.

For more information about donating technology or finding other collection points across Dorset, visit the Donate IT and Fixy Project websites.