_
_
Where to take your stuff to get it fixed
Dorset
Your handy directory of repair and reuse
Below are some of the organisations who can, through repair and reuse, help you to love your stuff for longer.
Repair Cafes are usually open once a month. This directory also includes Digital Cafes and shows Drop Off Points for your unwanted smart tech with a list below of what types of smart tech can be donated for reuse.
Any items that are beyond repair can be taken to one of Somerset’s recycling centres, also shown in the directory below.
Dorset repair and reuse directory
Find your local Repair Cafe
Help & Kindness Dorset - Directory
This is a comprehensive directory for repair cafés, men's sheds and similar community repair initiatives across Dorset. It includes contact details and locations for local groups. They often run monthly and depending on who is there and what skills they have, they will attempt to fix everything from hairdryers to bikes to jewellery.
Your local recycling centre
What they can and can’t accept
You can locate your nearest recycling centre, bring bank and find out what to do with different types of items on the Dorset Council website.
Recycle your electricals
Electrical recycling - Where to recycle & donate
Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled, find your nearest location using the link above.
Find your local drop-off point
Donate IT | Drop off point map
Across the south west generous individuals and organisations are pooling resources and donating devices (e.g. phones, laptops, tablets) to support those in need. Donate IT refurbish these devices, ensuring they are ready for distribution to those who need them most.
Which smart tech items will be accepted at a Drop Off Point?
You can donate any smart tech items which are shown on the list below. Items will be securely wiped sent for refurbishment and then distributed to those in digital poverty.
See the list opposite to find your nearest Drop Off Point.
If you have cables and plugs you can donate these too as it will enable greater reuse of items
• Laptops and tablets
• PCs, desktops, towers
• Mobile phones, smart phones
• Servers, routers and hard drives
• Game consoles and accessories
• NAS drives
• PC Combo or all-in-one type computer
• Digital cameras
• Switches
• UPS unit
• External disk drive
• DVR, NVR, PVR e.g. Freeview recorder or CCTV device
• Smart wear, smart devices, smart speakers, smart watches
• Scientific calculators and PDAs
• Wireless access points, docking stations, port replicators
Data security
Find out how to securely delete all data from your device before donating it: https://www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk/how-do-i-delete-my-data/
Digital Champions Dorset
Digital Champion sessions - Dorset Council
Digital Champions are a group of friendly and patient volunteers who are good at explaining computers, without using jargon. They have an enthusiasm for all things digital and look forward to the chance to show you how it works.
They offer digital support for a wide range of issues, no problem is too small:
set up and using devices including mobile phones, tablets and computers
get online and show you how to do home shopping
access digital NHS services
set up Skype or Zoom to keep in contact with family or friends