The Minster Environment Group (MEG) in Wimborne (one of Planet Wimborne’s community groups) has been working with BlackmoreIT and DonateIT for over ten years, collecting many tons of unwanted IT devices: its last collection in April 2025 received a total of 134 items (251kg) of old kit.
But what actually happens to all those laptops, tablets and phones that are donated? A group from MEG and Planet Wimborne went to the BlackmoreIT premises in Warminster to find out…
Simon Barfoot, CEO of BlackmoreIT and director of DonateIT, gave a presentation on the processes and accreditations that underpin the outstanding service provided by BlackmoreIT to their high-profile clients. Held to the highest standards for data management and removal, they can be inspected with no advanced warning. Their care and ethical approach were clearly evidenced across the organisation and, unsurprisingly, they have a high retention of both clients and staff.
A factory tour began with the security processing of delivered kit, which is automatically inspected and wiped. Kit that is reusable is refurbished, and BlackmoreIT (www.blackmoreit.com) has an online and eBay shop where orders are satisfied from the refurbished kit. Any kit that can’t be refurbished is stripped into its component parts, with metals (copper, aluminium and gold) being sent for reclamation: the gold is sent to the Royal Mint. Other materials are shredded ready for recycling.
DonateIT (donateit.co.uk) is a separate operation sponsored by BlackmoreIT. While people’s personal kit does not require the very high level of security that industry needs, DonateIT is still robust at data-wiping. Using the same processes, but with the help of volunteers, it provides funds and refurbished kit for those in need. On their visit, MEG and Planet Wimborne were presented with a laptop for Wimborne Food Bank: this had been requested so that Food Bank staff can work with clients to create their own accounts, CVs and job applications.
Next DonateIT collection This will be during the Planet Wimborne Green Festival and will take place on Saturday 11th October, 12 noon–2pm, in the Minster. So please hunt out your old IT kit and bring it along so more people can be helped to have access to the IT they need.
Further ahead Until now, MEG has run one-off donation sessions a few times a year, but are looking to seQt up a permanent collection site in Wimborne, with secure storage, so watch this space!
