Noel Leeming St Lukes becomes a hub for laptop donations

Noel Leeming St Lukes now serves as a drop-off location for those looking to donate laptops to Recycle A Device (RAD).

Recycle A Device (RAD) has made it simpler for individuals to donate their laptops by allowing drop-offs at Noel Leeming St Lukes. The initiative aims to support digital equity and sustainability efforts by encouraging the donation of pre-loved laptops.

Every donated laptop undergoes a secure data wipe and refurbishment process conducted by trained youth. These refurbished devices are then donated to individuals who require them for educational and employment purposes. "Your device could help a student complete schoolwork, apply for jobs, or build their digital skills," stated the RAD team.

The process to donate a laptop involves a few steps. Donors need first to check the eligibility of their device via RAD's donation webpage and then fill out a form to receive a unique donation code. The donor can then drop off their laptop, along with its charger and the donation code, in-store at St Lukes.

RAD highlights the significance of laptop donations, citing barriers to digital access faced by over one million people in Aotearoa. In 2024, RAD successfully refurbished and distributed 2,920 laptops through its school and community clubs. "Your donation directly helps close the digital divide and supports young people in building a brighter future for themselves," the organisation stated.

Regarding environmental benefits, RAD reported that during 2024, the organisation diverted 5.8 tonnes of e-waste from landfills and prevented the emission of 129 tonnes of CO2e. Additionally, hundreds of young people were trained in tech repair and problem-solving.

For those wishing to recycle other electronic waste, Noel Leeming St Lukes hosts a TechCollect NZ collection point in-store. This service accepts keyboards, tablets, cables, and other electronics, further contributing to waste reduction and resource conservation.

"A laptop isn't just a device—it's a key to education, employment, and opportunity. Join us in creating a more connected, sustainable Aotearoa by donating your laptop today!" encouraged the RAD team.

The RAD team expressed gratitude to their supporters, closing with, "Thank you for being part of the RAD whānau!"