We are delighted to announce that our IT Recycling project Plugged In has received £50,000 funding from the Glasgow City Council Low Emission Zone Community Support Fund. Read the full media release from Glasgow City Council below:
Glasgow City Council MEDIA RELEASE 12 May 2025
£50,000 from LEZ penalties supports charity breathe new life into discarded technology
A Glasgow charity has received a £50,000 boost from the Low Emission Zone Community Support Fund to breathe new life into discarded technology.
The grant was awarded to Plugged In, a digital inclusion enterprise that upcycles donated devices for re-use by those in our community who need them the most.
Operated by the North West Glasgow Voluntary Sector Network, Plugged In collects contributions of phones, laptops, tablets, and computers from individuals and organisations. They then work closely with local charities, through a referral process, to identify individuals and families who lack digital access and could benefit from the refurbished IT equipment and Wi-Fi connectivity.
All donated technology items are thoroughly checked and cleaned, safety tested, data wiped and kitted out with new software before going to a new home.
Over the past five years, Plugged In has provided 2,000 devices to people who need them, and diverted 22 tonnes of re-usable equipment from landfill.
Martina Johnston-Gray, Network Manager at North West Glasgow Voluntary Sector Network, said: “I’m delighted to receive the funding as it will allow us to employ someone full time and roll out the project to another area of Glasgow.
“Our aim is to equip Glasgow citizens with a device that will help them learn, find employment, contact family and friends, and take more control of their lives. It will also give us more time to develop our donations work where we ask citizens, fellow charities and businesses to give us their unwanted IT equipment. More donations will allow us to help get more people online.
“We’d like to thank Glasgow City Council for the funding and to wish all our fellow successful applicants well in their endeavours to make Glasgow a greener and more sustainable city. To donate a device or to make a referral, email us at hello.northwestglasgowvsn@outlook.com.”
Cllr Angus Millar, City Convener for Climate believes that investing penalties from the Low Emission Zone into local communities will significantly support the delivery of environment-improving projects.
Cllr Millar said: “The £50,000 grant will enable Plugged In to continue its vital work, which breathes new life into discarded technology. By rescuing devices from landfill, this inspiring recycling initiative empowers members of the local community and promotes digital inclusion.
“So far, eighteen organisations including volunteer groups, community councils, housing associations, and those advocating for a cleaner, greener and healthier environment have secured vital funding totalling £620,409 from the LEZ Community Support Fund, and we expect to re-open the scheme for a fresh round of applications later this year.”
Projects financed by the LEZ Community Support Fund so far, include improvements to children’s play areas, free bike provision, establishing food growing spaces and enhancements to greenspaces. Other initiatives involve peatland restoration, installing solar panels, air quality education projects, urban rewilding, and wildflower meadow planting.
END
Contact:
Lindsay Richardson (Public Relations Officer) – Glasgow City Council
lindsay.richardson@glasgow.gov.uk – 0141 287 0923
For referrals or to find out more about Plugged In:
go to Plugged In – North West Glasgow VSN or email us at hello.northwestglasgowvsn@outlook.com
Image:
(L to R): Martina Johnston-Gray and Matthew MacKenzie, NWGVSN