Computers for Older People Appeal (Computer and electronics recycling solutions for London and UK)

To mark the launch of the Age Concern Islington and Maxitech's Appeal for Computers for Older People, on Friday 11 June recycled computers were given away to three older people who are involved with Age Concern Islington's empowering work with local older people. Images available from: http://www.maxitech.biz/main/news.htm

(PRWEB) June 17, 2004 -- Maxitech.biz are asking the IT directors of London and UK based companies to donate their old PCs rather than dump them so they can be put to good use through this environmentally and socially beneficial programme.

Peter Paduh, Managing Director of Maxitech.biz Limited said, "We made some older people very happy on Friday and intend to continue doing this. There are thousands of older people over the age of 55 on low incomes who cannot afford to buy a computer for home use but who could benefit from having one. There is clearly a need for these items in Islington, London and throughout the UK."

Kate Tansley, Project Manager at Age Concern Islington said, "Age Concern Islington is enabling local older people to build confidence and increased skills of IT so they can access computers and the Internet and improve their daily lives. We are delighted to be working with Maxitech and thank them for their wonderful contribution to older people's lives."

CLLR Laura Willougby Member of The Islington Executive said, "Computers and especially recycled computers are important to reduce digital exclusion amongst older people. I commend the work of Maxitech and Age Concern Islington and support this appeal."

Annually an estimated two million working Pentium, or equivalent PCs, are dumped in landfill sites in the UK.

It has been calculated that 'e-waste' currently contributes to about 70 per cent of the poisonous cocktail of heavy metals found on landfills. Most organisations upgrade IT systems every three years, which is expected to create 315 million obsolete computers worldwide.

In autumn 2004, the EU's Waste and Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive comes into force. It will require that redundant electrical equipment is re-used or recycled and not dumped. Therefore, for legal as well as social reasons, building an environmental disposal strategy into IT purchasing is now essential for all businesses.

As a result Maxitech.biz, computer and electronics recycling enterprise, have joined forces with Age Concern Islington charity to provide older people on low incomes access to refurbished computers.

Companies that would like to be involved should contact Maxitech.biz via email: AgeConcern @ Maxitech.biz or Telephone: 0870 199 5010

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About Maxitech Maxitech.biz is a multi-award-winning, socially and environmentally focused company dedicated to reusing and recycling redundant IT and electronic equipment. Based in London, the company can arrange for the nationwide collection of IT and electronic equipment at low cost. Maxitech's preference is to reuse equipment received, thus prolonging its lifespan, minimising waste and benefiting charities and community groups who receive low-cost or free IT equipment. Maxitech provides more than 100 training opportunities each year for refugees and long-term unemployed people through its Edge Employer Award winning programme, to help them get into full-time employment. For further information visit www.maxitech.biz.

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