Shoppers being urged to consider buying second-hand tech for Christmas

SHOPPERS are being urged to consider buying second-hand when gifting tech for Christmas.

Southern Electrical Recycling is urging people to explore other options when Christmas shopping, rather than buying brand new electrical products.

Co-owners Gary Dalton and David Edwards say that shopping for second-hand and refurbished items can help shoppers save both money and the environment.

Gary said: ‘Lots of people want to buy people gifts for Christmas, such as tablets, laptops or phones. Refurbished items are often in just as good a condition as brand-new items, but when it comes to Christmas gifting, it is often overlooked as people head straight to the big companies such as Apple and Amazon.

‘But if people buy refurbished, they’re not only helping reduce the amount of e-waste that goes to landfill but will save money with the receiver of the gift being just as happy with the item as they would be if it were new. Our laptops range from about £80 to £250 so that’s a huge saving, but whether they buy through us or somewhere else, it’s still just as important to at least consider.’

The Hilsea-based firm recently collected and are recycling more than a tonne of electrical equipment, including desktop computers and laptops, which otherwise would have been sent to landfill.

David said: ‘It’s quite frightening how much WEEE (waste electronic electrical equipment) goes to landfill if it’s not recycled. That’s a lot of toxic chemicals and materials that will polute the air and that’s the very last thing we need right now.’

The pair is also encouraging businesses and start-ups to consider choosing second-hand computer equipment, whether they’re looking for equipment for just themselves.

David said: ‘We recently helped a local Hilsea-based marketing firm kit out their whole office with refurbished computers, laptops, mice, keyboards – you name it. Now the owner’s been able to grow the company because he’s not had as many start-up costs and is returning frequently to get more equipment as his team grows.

‘It’s a great way to help people who are starting out in business to help them afford what they need to get going.’

Shoppers can contact the team direct at www.southernelectricalrecycling.co.uk or browse items at the unit in Highgrove Industrial Estate, Hilsea.