Our Mission:
'Save as much as we can,
recycle what's left'
20 Years in the making
(the long version)
I didn't know it back then, but you'll have to forgive me as I was 11 at the time. It was around 1996, and I was attending Paignton community college (now an Academy). I guess you could call this my first computer collection. Now like any school, the IT equipment gets periodically upgraded, and a few of the IT rooms were getting a refresh. As if it were yesterday, I can remember the suite of PCs RM Nimbus PC-386's it was time for them to be retired, which is funny really as I couldn't tell you what replaced them. My only interest at the time was with what they were throwing away and the excitement that nobody wanted them except me.
Now back then, like any school, the IT equipment gets periodically upgraded, and a few of the IT rooms were getting a refresh. As if it were yesterday, I can remember the suite of PCs - RM Nimbus PC-386/20's it was time for them to be retired (which is funny really as I couldn't tell you what replaced them). My only interest at the time was with what they were throwing away and the excitement that nobody wanted them except me, jackpot.
See, the world was a little different back then. Recycling wasn't as a priority as it is today, so much so that when I asked if I could have the computers that were heading to the skip, well, no one cared if I took them, all I had to do was convince the parents! But in my mind, the whole plan was a no brainer free computers! what wasn't there to like?
When I got home that night, it was time to ask the folks. I can't remember the exact number I told them id acquired, But I don't think I told them there were over 30 to collect. Let's just say that was probably a complete surprise. A couple or three trips in a large Volvo estate and our garage was full. I spent the whole summer messing around with them, and that's probably what cemented my love of fixing gadgets and reusing tech.
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Here we are 20 years later, but this time I have time and experience on my side, plus I no longer have to ask my parents for permission.....
​'Ironically, these days RM Nimbus PC-386/20 fetch good money. Look it up if you don't believe me...if id only kept them. Though storing over 30 PC's for over 20 years may have been a challenge.'
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'We Save Gadgets' - was created for the love of two things tech and things not going to waste. Growing up, I never owned the latest tech. I can't remember when I got new; it was always pre-loved, and to be honest, I'm probably better for it; I'm the guy who goes to the recycling center, looks over into the giant bins, and sigh's to myself. Just seeing all the missed opportunities saddens me...
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(Less of a ramble)
We Save Gadget's is a WEEE - computer ecycling company based in Torbay Devon, with a mission to do things better. We love to recycle, but only if we have to. First and foremost, we aim to save as much tech as possible. Nothing gets wasted. Nothing goes to landfill.
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We Save Gadgets, at its core, pledge to be a climate-positive company. We pledge to offset our carbon footprint by funding projects like reforestation.
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Our Mission ​
• Save everything we can, Recycle what's left.
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• Always balance the books, be it financially or environmentally. The numbers have to add up.
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• To remember where we started, but focus on
the future.
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People still store their pin numbers in their contacts. The problem is, people tend to stick to the same pin number for years. What other data does your old phone hold?
It really is surprising how much some vintage computers have raised in value over the last few years. Collectible tech, not just computers but games consoles and even phones, are seeing a surge in popularity, especially new old stock that can now be worth more than its weight in gold.
Help us fund a forest. For every collection we undertake, we pledge to fund climate positive causes.
