PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT

Environmental Policy

1. Introduction

Tech-Takeback Foundation is committed to promoting environmental sustainability through circular economy practices. Reducing e-waste and extending the life of technology sits at the heart of our charitable purpose, alongside tackling digital exclusion: our environmental and social missions are two sides of the same work. We aim to minimise environmental impact by encouraging reuse, repair and responsible recycling.

2. Purpose

This policy sets out our approach to achieving these goals while adhering to UK environmental regulations and good practice.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all aspects of our operations, including procurement, refurbishment, distribution and end-of-life management of electronic devices, and guides our engagement with stakeholders including donors, beneficiaries, customers and partners.

4. Reducing Environmental Impact

● Prioritise the refurbishment and reuse of electronic devices to extend their lifespan and reduce waste, with an emphasis on supporting people who are digitally excluded.

● Minimise resource consumption and energy use in our operations.

● Use environmentally friendly packaging and logistics solutions where practical and possible.

5. Responsible Recycling

● Partner with certified recycling facilities to ensure non-reusable items are processed responsibly, recovering valuable materials and reducing landfill.

● Comply with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations and other relevant UK legislation.

6. Promoting Awareness

● Educate communities and stakeholders about the environmental benefits of technology reuse and repair.

● Advocate for sustainable consumption practices and responsible disposal of electronics.

7. Ethical Sourcing and Partnerships

● Work with suppliers and partners who share our commitment to environmental and social responsibility.

● Ensure that all donated or acquired technology is sourced ethically and complies with UK standards for safety and environmental impact.

8. Continuous Improvement

● Monitor and evaluate the environmental impact of our activities through regular audits and assessments.

● Set measurable targets for reducing emissions, waste and energy use.

● Adopt innovative practices and technologies that enhance our sustainability efforts.

9. Engagement with Stakeholders

● Encourage donors, customers and partners to take part in circular economy initiatives.

● Provide clear information on how to responsibly donate or recycle technology through our services.

● Openly communicate our environmental progress and challenges with employees, volunteers, stakeholders and the wider community, reinforcing our commitment to accountability and transparency.

● Highlight and celebrate environmental successes internally and externally, to encourage ongoing commitment and participation.

10. Environmental Performance Targets and Monitoring

Key performance data, such as energy consumption, waste volumes, recycling rates and emissions data, will be systematically collected, analysed and reported internally to inform ongoing improvements:

● Carbon emissions: reduce and prevent carbon emissions through the reuse and recycling of unwanted devices by a minimum of 10% per year, measured against the previous year's baseline.

● Waste reduction: increase the reuse and refurbishment of received electronic devices by 5% annually, decreasing the proportion sent for recycling or disposal.

● Energy consumption: achieve a 5% annual reduction in overall energy consumption across our operations, through efficiency measures and behavioural change.

● Logistics and transport: reduce emissions associated with company vehicles and logistics through route optimisation, driver training, and the use of electric vehicles, aiming to maintain or reduce transportation emissions year on year.

11. Implementation and Accountability

Feedback from employees, volunteers and partners on environmental performance is actively encouraged, to support continual improvement.

Tech-Takeback Foundation will ensure that all employees, volunteers and partners are familiar with this policy and contribute to its implementation. We will allocate resources to support our environmental initiatives, and review our impact annually to ensure ongoing transparency and accountability.

12. Policy Compliance

All employees, volunteers and relevant workers are expected to comply with this policy and associated procedures.

Failure to follow this policy may result in appropriate action, in accordance with the Discipline and Grievance provisions of the TTF-HR-001 Human Resources Policy.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically and at least annually, or following:

● Significant operational changes.

● Significant incidents or lessons identified through reviews.

● Changes to relevant legislation.

● Changes to organisational requirements.

Policy reviews will be undertaken by the Board of Trustees.

Approval

This policy has been reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees of Tech-Takeback Foundation.

Approved by:

Chair of Trustees

Board of Trustees