Omnichannel technology retailer Currys supports Cancer Research UK with recycling unwanted items

Currys is supporting Cancer Research UK with recycling any unsellable donated tech from its UK charity shops.

The partnership will allow Cancer Research UK to drop off any unwanted tech from its locations, free of charge, at Currys’ delivery depots up and down the UK. 

Recycling over 50,000 tonnes of e-waste each year, Currys lays claim to being the nation’s number one retail tech recycler and is on a mission to give technology a longer life.

Cancer Research UK receives lots of donations, but where tech donations may be too old or not fit to sell, the charity will be able to recycle unsellable items via Currys and have peace of mind that they are being recycled responsibly.

Once dropped off, the unwanted tech will enter the Currys network and be sent to its central sorting facility in Newark, Nottinghamshire, where it will be assessed, then either refurbished, repaired, have the parts harvested or be responsibly recycled. If the latter, this volume will contribute to the retailer’s overall WEEE collection volumes and used to offset its own producer obligation.

Paula Coughlan, Chief People, Sustainability and Communications Officer at Currys, says: "We are delighted to be able to support Cancer Research UK with this initiative - ensuring that any unsellable tech donations are responsibly recycled. It not only makes sure that the old and unwanted tech is safely recycled, but it also helps Cancer Research UK, an incredibly charity whose work is so important."

Julie Byard, Director of Trading at Cancer Research UK, comments: " We receive a great deal of high value donations across our shops thanks to our supporters – and we appreciate everyone who donates. Where we can’t sell donated tech, Currys’ support is incredibly helpful. It’s great to know that their well-established tech recycling operation ensures we can recycle responsibly.”

Currys has a similar agreement in place with the British Heart Foundation.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.