PCrefurb relies on donations of unwanted IT equipment – laptops, tablets, phones, desktop computers, monitors, etc. – from businesses, other organisations and individuals.
We refurbish this equipment and give it to those in need in the community, supporting individuals, local charities, community groups, schools and more, saving it from being thrown away and helping people who are struggling to access the digital world.
See below for information on data security and erasure and what’s involved in our refurbishing process.
Please contact us to make a donation.
What do we need?
Laptops and Chromebooks
Our ideal laptops are dated 2018 onwards, but we will consider older equipment on a case-by-case basis. Chargers are greatly appreciated but not essential. We can also refurbish Chromebooks that have passed their ‘end of life’ date.
Tablets and iPads
We accept known to work, undamaged tablets, Android 12 and above and iPads with iOS 18 and above. Any older devices will not be secure. Chargers and charging leads are greatly appreciated but not essential. All account information, pin-codes and passwords must be removed. See below for how to do this.
Smart phones
We accept known to work, undamaged smart phones, minimum Android version 12 or iPhones running iOS 18. Any older devices will not be secure. Chargers and charging leads are greatly appreciated but not essential. If your donated phone is locked to a network provider (e.g.O2, Vodafone, EE, Three etc.) do please let us know which one. All account information, pin-codes and passwords must be removed. See below for how to do this.
Non-Smart phones
We accept known to work, undamaged non-smart phones. Chargers and charging leads are greatly appreciated but not essential. If your donated phone is locked to a network provider (e.g.O2, Vodafone, EE, Three etc.) do please let us know which one. All account information, pin-codes and passwords must be removed. See manufacturer information for how to do this.
Desktop Computers
12/3/25 – we are unable to accept desktop computers from individuals at the moment while we process our current stock. Corporate donors please contact us to discuss donations.
Computer Monitors
We accept flat screen monitors 21 inch or above. We cannot take large, CRT monitors or televisions.
Cables, leads and laptop chargers
We accept undamaged computer mains leads (IEC/kettle leads), monitor leads and laptop chargers. We cannot use TV leads or non-UK mains leads. All equipment and leads are PAT tested before redistribution.
Printers
We are unable to accept printers.
Ink Cartridges
We are unable to accept ink cartridges.
Anything else?
We will consider any IT related equipment so please contact us and we’ll happily have a discussion.
Collection or drop off
We can collect local donations of IT equipment or you can drop off equipment with us in Glossop by arrangement.
Thanks to our friends at the Digital Support Derbyshire Network run by Rural Action Derbyshire in Matlock and Zink in Buxton, donations can also be dropped off with them. Please contact them directly to make arrangements.
Refurbishing process
Our processes for refurbishing IT equipment are comprehensive. In summary:
- Logging – donations are logged in our administrative systems so they can be tracked through our refurbishing and/or recycling processes.
- Data wiping – we erase data from hard drives and other storage devices using professional industry standard methods, producing an individualised certificate of erasure when required. See below for further information on data security.
- Hardware testing – donations are stress-tested and PAT tested, and a variety of hardware tests are run as appropriate.
- Software installation – we reinstall a variety operating systems dependent on need and what is suitable for the hardware.
- Registered Third Party Microsoft Installer – we are authorised by Microsoft to install the latest Windows Operating Systems for eligible customers.
Recycling
If we are unable to refurbish and redistribute donations or reuse any salvaged components we recycle them following the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive. We are registered with the Environment Agency.
Data security and erasure
We use professional, industry standard software to securely erase data from devices. We can produce digitally signed certificates of erasure on request. Redkey USB supports PCrefurb through charitable giving. Their data erasure platform is ADISA Certified, meeting the highest global standards.
Should you wish to delete data from computers yourself before donating them to us, we recommend using a dedicated erasure program. Redkey USB offers an ADISA Certified Home Edition with unlimited use. Other commercial home user data wiping programs are available, and there are some freeware options. Whether you choose to do this yourself or not, we still follow our strict procedures of data erasure using professional software that meets international standards.
Removing Accounts From Mobile Devices
In order to reuse mobile devices we perform a factory reset, but in order for us to get past factory reset protection, please ensure that you have removed your personal accounts such as Google, iTunes, or other device specific accounts. Unfortunately if these accounts are not removed we will be unable to refurbish and distribute your device to someone in need.
On Android devices go to:
Settings > Accounts > [your google account] > Remove Account
Also remove all other accounts that might be set up with your phone manufacturer.
On Apple devices, remove any passcodes and remove it from your list of associated devices and remove your iCloud/iTunes account or else we won’t be able to reuse it.
Thank you.