Currys launches Cash for Trash technology recycling scheme
Omnichannel technology retailer Currys has launched what is pitched as the UK’s first ever recycling scheme that gives monetary reward for old tech, even if customers think it’s worthless.
Called Cash for Trash, this runs from 16th March to 15th April and calls on Brits to bring in any old, broken, or unused electronics to their nearest Currys store in exchange for a voucher worth at least £5.
Tech like TVs and small domestic appliances can also be traded in for new products.
Lindsay Haselhurst, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Currys, says: “We are already helping thousands of customers recycle unwanted tech every day. But Cash for Trash aims to take it to the next level. This trial is all about making recycling easy and rewarding.”
“We’re urging the nation to look in drawers, under the sofa and up in the loft – as these unused tech devices that have seen better days could be repaired, rehomed, or recycled into something new. We really are accepting any tech, bought from anywhere, even if it’s broken – it might look like trash, but it isn’t to us.”
She concludes: “Cash for Trash is good for consumers’ wallets and for the planet.”
“You can be confident that your tech will be handled responsibly by the thousands of dedicated Currys colleagues who are experts in diagnosing and advising on the best outcome for unwanted and broken items – whether that’s repairing, refurbishing, or recycling.”
Uber tie up
In November of last year, Currys partnered with Uber on a London-based delivery trial that got small tech products from stores to shoppers in as little as 30 minutes.
This was Uber’s biggest UK retailer partnership to date and built on Currys’ online and delivery proposition, which includes the ShopLive 24/7 video shopping service and its one-hour Order & Collect offering.
During the pilot, which ran for three months, shoppers using Currys’ website could choose from a range of 1,800 tech items, including headphones, printer cartridges, laptops and phone chargers, with the delivery powered by Uber’s technology and network of couriers who used the app.
The pilot phase was rolled out across 15 London stores, including Croydon, West Drayton, Colliers Wood, Enfield, Hayes Staples Corner, Old Kent Road, Kensington, Brixton, Wembley Stadium and Oxford Street.
Customers were able to order up until two hours before store closing time.
The delivery charge was £5. The 1,800 products on offer via the service were all under 7kg and had to meet set dimensions in order to fit within the courier’s portable bag.
