Computer recycling enterprise wins 2003 Sieff Award
Howard Lake | 8 September 2003 | News
Recycle-IT!, based in Luton, is the winner of the 2003 Sieff Award which recognises organisations or individuals that have successfully collaborated with the corporate sector to benefit the community.
The innovative community enterprise, which has provided good causes with over 30,000 recycled computer systems, was honoured at an awards ceremony today.
The award, established by Marks & Spencer, was presented at a tree planting ceremony by Sir David Sieff, former Board Director at Marks & Spencer at Pasque Adult Hospice in Luton.
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Recycle-IT! was set up in 1995, with support from SKF (UK) Ltd as part of their Business In The Community commitment, to increase access to computer technology by diverting redundant but reusable equipment from companies across the UK to charities, voluntary organisations, churches and small businesses.
The company now offers a free service to more than 500 companies, collecting and recycling redundant IT equipment that would otherwise end up in landfill sites. This service enables businesses to meet environmental targets and upcoming legislation on electronic waste.
Recycle-IT! has also been commended for its work with the unemployed and disadvantaged, with all paid staff at the company having previously been out of work. They have also created jobs for disabled people and have a dedicated “Unequal Opportunities Policy”.
Michele Rigby, co-founder of Recycle-IT!, said: “The corporate sector needs to keep up-to-date with cutting edge technology but also know that their old equipment is useful to the community. That’s where we can help by taking their old equipment, sanitising it and giving it a useful new life.”
The Sieff Award was launched in 2002 to mark the retirement of Sir David Sieff, a pioneer in forging links between local companies and their communities for the benefit of both parties. Under his ./guidance, Marks & Spencer became one of the founders of Business in the Community (BITC) and the Sieff Awards were established to recognise individuals or community groups that have successfully collaborated with the corporate sector to the benefit of business and society.
The Sieff Award is part of the Business in the Community Awards for Excellence which reward companies for employing responsible business practice.
About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.