We are a Social Enterprise

The social enterprise mark identifies businesses which meet certain criteria. Businesses displaying the Mark are trading to benefit people and planet. Acorn Computer Recycling (CIC), joins other ethical businesses that have been recognised by being awarded the mark. We are one of about only ten in the North East that has been awarded the mark.

Supporting the Community

Acorn does many things to support the local community by donating I.T equipment, providing technical assistance and offering other forms of help to individuals and organisations who need it. Read more

Don't Become a Victim - Reuse and Recycle Locally with a Social Enterprise

Evidence shows the UK has a persistent problem with e-waste trafficking. The country produces one million tonnes of e-waste a year, comprising more than six million electrical and electronic items. Severe leakage of this e-waste onto the black market occurs; industry sources estimate up to half of all computers discarded in the UK enter illegal trade streams. When new EU rules came into force in the UK in 2007, many companies entered the market as recyclers, expecting up to 1.5 million tonnes of electrical and electronic waste needing to be recycled every year. By 2009, the volume of e-waste recorded was only one-third of what was projected, with the bulk of the remainder siphoned off onto the black market. Read the report every corporate board member should read.

Environmental Investigation Agency Report (1.21 MB) Pdf

Duty of Care

The broad aim of WEEE legislation is to address the environmental impacts of unwanted electrical and electronic equipment at end of life disposal. If your business uses electrical and/or electronic equipment (EEE) you must deal with it correctly once you no longer need it. Read more



Volunteering & Work Placements

If you wish to gain valuable work experience in our industry we will be more than happy to accommodate you. Volunteering for us is a great way to build up your skills and confidence in a work environment, and we will help you along the way. Contact us to find out more.

Where does e-waste end up?

The following article explains what often happens to e-waste when it is not managed properly by an organisation like Acorn. Electronic waste products often end up in landfills or incinerators or, more recently, exported to Asia.

Greenpeace Article

Free IT Courses & C.V Help

Computers and the internet are an incredibly useful resource. We offer completely free courses to anyone who wishes to learn the basics. We also provide a free service on a wednesday for those who need help writing a C.V. Read more