EICC Live - Hidden Treasure: Unlocking the Value in Old Tech

In a world where access to technology is essential for education, work, and everyday life, too many people are left behind due to the rising cost of digital devices. At the same time, tonnes of perfectly usable electronics are discarded every year. This EICC:Live, in collaboration with Edinburgh Remakery, explores the hidden treasures within old tech and how repair, reuse, and the right to repair movement can help tackle tech poverty, reduce waste, and empower communities.

Through conversation, stories, and practical examples, we’ll uncover how extending the life of electronics can bridge the digital divide, cut carbon emissions, and create fairer access to technology for all. Join us to learn how small changes in how we value our devices can unlock big social and environmental benefits.

Elaine will talk about the following

What is E-waste? – it’s the largest growing waste stream on the planet and yet what some see as waste is treasure awaiting a new life – helping our planet and our communities hear how she has developed a business around the Circular Economy opportunities afforded by adopting Repair and Reuse.

The entrepreneurial journey - she will outline some of the opportunities and challenges that the Edinburgh Remakery has encountered. Learn more about their innovative Tech Donation Boxes currently in libraries in Edinburgh and also how their Repair cafes are bringing repair and reuse to our high street

Behavioural Change – the double edge sword of consumption versus the need to preserve precious metal and reduce e-waste . Learn more about how we can help tackle digital poverty one refurbished laptop at a time

The EICC will also have one of the Edinburgh Remakery’s award winning Tech Donation Box there on the night so look out your old laptops, phones and cables and drop them into the box . We will then share the impact of the TDB after the event