Currys takes part in Hidden Treasure Hunt as schoolkids lead bid to tackle UK’s e-waste crisis

Schoolchildren are being encouraged to participate in a new campaign to tackle the UK’s growing electrical waste crisis - and win prizes for their school in the process.

The Hidden Treasure Hunt is open to millions of pupils from the UK’s more than 20,000 primary schools. It aims to increase recycling levels of the old electrical items hidden away in drawers at home.

Recent research by Recycle Your Electricals found that more than 100,000 tonnes of electricals are thrown away every year, with an average of 30 items stashed away in every UK home, or more than 880 million electrical items in total.

These items contain precious materials such as copper, lithium and gold which when thrown away are lost forever, and could instead be re-used in other products. Many electrical products also contain batteries which are fuelling the rise in battery fires in bin lorries and waste centres across the UK.

Participating pupils can drop off their unwanted tech at any Currys store, where they are guaranteed at least a £5 Currys voucher, or at almost 30,000 drop off points across the country to receive points towards their school’s tally.

Schools will be ranked on a national leaderboard, with those ranked highest at the end of the 2025/26 academic year receiving a share of £20,000 of tech vouchers, which can be put towards learning aids like laptops, tablets and other education friendly tech. Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled as part of the scheme, which is being supported by Circular Economy Minister, Mary Creagh MP.

Creagh says: “We all know the importance of recycling, but electrical items, like old smartphones and electric toothbrushes, tend to be forgotten and thrown away instead. With an average of 30 unused electrical items in each household, this government is determined to end the nation’s throwaway culture and reduce waste to landfill and incineration.”

“By finding the ‘hidden treasure’ in old electricals, primary school kids can ensure their devices have a second life, rather than costing the earth. I encourage everyone to get involved in this exciting campaign.”

Participating schools will receive a campaign pack, including assembly and curriculum linked resources to support learning around climate change, sustainability and community engagement.

The Hidden Treasure Hunt is a Wastebuster and Currys led campaign, partnering with Material Focus, Microsoft, DHL and Ecogenesys that forms part of the wider Recycle your Electricals initiative. It builds on a 2023 pilot, led by Wastebuster and delivered in collaboration with Recycle Your Electricals, Currys and Microsoft, in which school communities collected more than 200 tonnes of e-waste for reuse and recycling in a six week period.

Pupils can also track their school’s progress on the national leaderboard and see the environmental difference their actions make, individually and collectively.

Paula Coughlan, Chief People, Communications and Sustainability Officer at Currys, says: “There’s hidden treasure in every piece of tech lying around homes up and down the country, and we are hoping to inspire the next generation to help uncover it.”

“Through education and action, we’re demonstrating how tech can be given a longer life, something we are passionate about at Currys. I love this campaign: it sparks curiosity, helps build more positive habits and brings families, schools and individuals together to do their bit to tackle the UK's e-waste crisis."

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Green retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards will open for entries in April. They celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 15th October.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.