Electrical recycling: University of South Wales

Efficient recycling and reuse are at the heart of Keep Wales Tidy’s ethos, so it will come as little surprise that we run a collection scheme for companies to dispose of their redundant electrical equipment responsibly and sustainably.

This scheme is run in partnership with A&LH Environmental Services in Barry, South Wales. A&LH liaise with people to collect their unwanted equipment in one, easy to arrange service, and either recondition, recycle or dispose of it.

The innovative recycling scheme not only diverts waste from landfill and reuses items where possible but also donates a share of any profits raised to Keep Wales Tidy, which is then used to support our all-important work with local volunteers and community groups to improve their environment.

Since this IT recycling initiative first began over 15 years ago, Keep Wales Tidy and A&LH Environmental Services have recycled over 1 million kg of ICT equipment – a statistic that we are incredibly proud of!

Electrical recycling box full of old computer items for recycling or reuse

In 2024, the University of South Wales were looking for a new Waste Electrical Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) contractor.

Having heard about our scheme, they decided to switch suppliers because:

Processing is handled in Wales
It supports an SME waste collection company, and the Welsh economy
It prioritises reuse wherever possible before recycling
It has a world-class safe data deletion process
Keep Wales Tidy receives a financial contribution to support their environmental work
It is quick, efficient and cost effective.

Prior to 2024, USW worked with a Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) provider based outside of Wales. While the provider met our basic compliance requirements, several operational challenges persisted. Transporting materials long distances resulted in high collection costs, extended waiting times, and an increased environmental impact that did not align with our sustainability priorities.

In June 2024, we initiated a new partnership with Keep Wales Tidy, we were particularly keen to work with a provider whose values aligned with our own sustainability commitments and long-term ambitions. Keep Wales Tidy’s focus on local solutions, circular economy principles, and community engagement made them a natural fit.

We are delighted with the service to date and look forward to continuing to grow this partnership in the years ahead.
Danielle Booy-Pinker Assistant Facilities Manager at University of South Wales

Protecting the environment now and for the future is what Keep Wales Tidy is all about. If we can take good quality materials and find a way to repurpose or reuse them, it benefits businesses, the environment, and the economy which is a real win for everybody.
Louise Tambini Deputy Chief Executive, Keep Wales Tidy

The impact for Keep Wales Tidy

The partnership is a really important one for Keep Wales Tidy not just because we receive revenue from it to support our work, but also because it supports organisations to dispose of the electrical waste safely and securely.

Put simply, it builds new partnerships while also generating valuable, unrestricted income for the charity.

From April to December 2025, 348 redundant electrical assets were successfully recycled from the University of South Wales, raising over £3,000 for KWT.

The impact for the University of South Wales

In turn the partnership was a big success for the University of South Wales for a number of reasons:

It has improved reliability – collections have been efficient, consistent, and straightforward
By eliminating long-distance transportation, USW have achieved noticeable savings in both collection fees and indirect operational costs
It has enhanced sustainability by working with a local Welsh provider which has reduced carbon emissions, supported the Welsh circular economy, and strengthened USW’s own alignment with their sustainability goals.
The opportunity for USW to build closer connections with their local communities, including Litter picking events, community volunteering opportunities and broader environmental collaboration – an unexpected benefit which has become really important to them.

Recycle your electrics

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