Circular Technology: From Waste to Bridging Digital and Social Divides
The Local Challenge
In North Kesington, many residents, particularly older adults, low-income households, and non-native English speakers, lack personal devices, relying on borrowed equipment or limited public access to get online. This creates barriers to education, employment, healthcare, and essential services, and often leaves people cut off from social contact and community life. At the same time, functional devices are often discarded, contributing to e-waste and environmental harm. Local organisations work hard to address these gaps but lack the resources to meet the scale of need.
The Initiative
In partnership with North Kensington Library and Westway Trust, Circular Technology: From Waste to Bridging Digital and Social Divides increases access to both devices and digital skills by installing permanent device donation points at both sites. Residents are encouraged to donate unused laptops, tablets, and smartphones, which are securely data-wiped, refurbished, and distributed to those who need them most. Refurbished devices are put straight to use, as Westway Trust integrates them into community-based digital skills classes, helping people apply for jobs, access benefits, book medical appointments, and stay safe online. Through this initiative, North Kensington Library also loans devices through its Home Library Service, offers one-to-one guidance, and runs group sessions on essential digital skills, from using e-government services to connecting with family via video calls. By pairing technology with training, Circular Technology reduces inequality and isolation while cutting e-waste and carbon emissions through the sustainable reuse of devices.
What’s Next?
Once in place, this initiative will provide hundreds of residents with the tools and skills to participate fully in the digital world, improving access to learning, work, and essential services. It will also cut e-waste, reduce carbon emissions, and promote a culture of reuse. By combining trusted local institutions with sustainable technology solutions, the initiative will help build a more connected, environmentally responsible, and digitally confident North Kensington.
Contact theeuropechallenge@culturalfoundation.eu if you have any questions or want to be connected with the team behind the project.
