![\"E-waste\"](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\")
<\/h4>\nVirgin Media O2 is investing \u00a33 million to help councils and community organisations scale local networks to recover, refurbish and redistribute unwanted devices.<\/h4>\n
![\"E-waste\"](\"http:\/\/mycrochettips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/iStock-2220371969.jpg\")
<\/h4>\nThe Tech Rehome Network Fund<\/a> will support projects that help improve digital inclusion and reduce electronic waste within cities.<\/p>\n The first \u00a3500,000 funding round opens today (8 September), with further rounds to follow.<\/p>\n Councils, charities and community organisations can apply with initiatives to create local networks that recover, refurbish and redistribute unwanted devices to people who need them \u2013 while addressing growing e-waste levels in the UK.<\/p>\n Virgin Media O2 is inviting applications in particular in cities where promising device reuse schemes exist, but where funding is needed to develop long-term sustainability.\u202f<\/p>\n Commenting on the Fund, Dana Haidan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: \u201cThrough the Tech Rehome Network Fund, we’re investing in trusted local organisations to build\u202fthe\u202fnetworks\u202fcities\u202fneed to keep devices in use for longer.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBy making it easier for households and businesses\u202facross\u202fcities to pass on unwanted\u202ftechnology, we can give devices a second life while helping more people\u202fget online.\u201d<\/p>\n A new study, commissioned by Virgin Media O2, found that around 460 million unused digital devices are sitting in UK homes and businesses, while 1.5 million<\/a> people across the UK do not have access to a smartphone, tablet or laptop.<\/p>\n The research estimates that, of the unused devices, almost six in ten \u2013 equivalent to around 267 million phones, tablets and laptops \u2013 are still suitable for reuse or repair.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Minister for Digital Inclusion,\u202fVicky Foxcroft commented: \u201cThe costs of purchasing a phone, tablet or computer can be a major barrier to people getting themselves online \u2013 the reality is that there are countless unused devices sitting in homes around the country.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cClosing the digital divide requires government, businesses, civil society and communities working together, and I’m pleased to see Virgin Media O2 pioneering practical solutions that will make a real difference to people’s lives.\u201d<\/p>\n The post Virgin Media O2 commits to investing \u00a33m in tech reuse services<\/a> appeared first on Circular Online<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" \u00a0 Virgin Media O2 is investing \u00a33 million to help councils and community organisations scale local networks to recover, refurbish and redistribute unwanted devices. The Tech Rehome Network Fund will support projects that help improve digital inclusion and reduce electronic waste within cities. The first \u00a3500,000 funding round opens today…<\/p>\n