Co-op takes Spring tech recirculation trial beyond London
Co-op has expanded a trial with tech recirculation startup, Spring.
The pair first partnered in October 2021 with the launch of self-service pods in 20 of the retailer’s convenience stores in London.
The move is designed to make recirculating electronic devices that can be reused or recycled more accessible, while enabling consumers to turn their unwanted items into cash.
The initiative has now been rolled-out to Co-op stores in: Birmingham; Brighton; Leeds and Manchester.
Spring’s Pods accept almost 14,000 different devices and customers receive payment to their Spring account within one to three days. The money can be transferred to a bank account or to charity.
Where devices cannot be re-used, Spring will ensure all components - which include materials such as: gold; copper; aluminium and, steel - are recycled.
Mark Matthews, Co-op’s Director of Innovation and Format, says: “This partnership will enable more communities to recycle or reuse their electronic devices locally, unlocking the value in forgotten phones and other unwanted tech and, importantly, preventing unnecessary and avoidable e-waste.”
“If we are going to have a natural environment which we are proud to pass on to future generations we need action to be taken now.”
“By making it easier for consumers to make small changes to their everyday lives, it can add up to make a big difference for our environment.”
Spring Co-founder, Tom Williams, says: “Leaving an unused device in a drawer means that rather than it being reused by someone else, it’s taken out of circulation and needs to be replaced with something new.”
“We are making it easy for people to recirculate unwanted tech, which not only puts money in their pockets but also has a positive impact on the environment.”
“We've already made a huge impact with our first pods in London and we're excited to bring this to more local communities.”
