At Electronic Recycling Australia, we are on an environmental and social impact mission to recycle and re-purpose electronic and electrical waste and to provide employment opportunities for people with disability. Being backed by Bedford, doing business for good is part of our DNA, so when the opportunity to partner with Backpack 4 SA Kids presented, we knew it was something we wanted to be part of.
Backpacks 4 SA Kids exists to provide resources that contribute to the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people during periods of displacement from home and routine care. These children and young people often don’t have access to devices such as laptops and gaming consoles that most of their peers do. The initiative between Electronic Recycling Australia and Backpacks 4 SA Kids focuses on refurbishing laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and gaming consoles to meet the urgent needs of families facing challenging circumstances.
Our team is committed to making a positive impact on both the environment and our community. By repurposing electronic waste, we are not only reducing landfill but also creating meaningful employment and providing essential tools for those who need them most.
Rachael Zaltron, Chief Executive Officer, Backpacks 4 SA Kids highlighted the critical nature of these donations, saying “We receive calls from about five agencies a week seeking laptop and tablet support. These devices are crucial for children’s education, job searches, and maintaining communication. Without them, many of our kids feel left behind and lose the grasp on their sense of worth.”
The partnership has already yielded significant results. The Electronic Recycling Australia team has successfully refurbished five laptops and two gaming consoles. These items will be distributed to families caring for children, such as grandparents, extended family members, and neighbours.
Every refurbished device represents a new opportunity for a child or family in need. The gaming consoles, in particular, bring a much-needed source of joy to children who have faced unimaginable challenges.
Looking ahead, Electronic Recycling Australia plans to expand its support by refurbishing mobile phones for women fleeing family violence situations where tracking apps have compromised their safety. Additionally, we will focus on repurposing scientific calculators to aid students who have had to leave their possessions behind due to family violence.
“We are proud to play a role in enabling better learning outcomes and providing essential tools for those rebuilding their lives,” Graham Hartland, said. “Our partnership with Backpacks 4 SA Kids demonstrates the power of collaboration to create meaningful change in our communities.”
Find out where you can donate your unwanted electrical and electronic items for recycling here.
