£50,000 from LEZ penalties supports charity 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 our 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.

Further information:

Plugged In IT recycling project is operated by the North West Glasgow Voluntary Sector Network. Their initiative was set up during the pandemic to support people and families hampered by a lack of or limited IT and internet. The charity asks for donations of unwanted IT equipment, and for members of their network to refer people to receive them.

Enforcement of Glasgow's Low Emission Zone (LEZ) began on 1 June 2023. Unless exempt, all vehicles entering the city centre zone area must meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge.

Revenue from LEZ penalty charges must first support scheme operating costs, with any residual income allocated to funding projects which provide benefits that tie in with LEZ objectives.

Some 18 projects worth £620,409 were recommended for funding from the LEZ Community Support Fund earlier this year. With £732,000 of residual LEZ penalty revenue currently allocated to the fund, the balance of £111,591 will be made available for a fresh round of funding applications later this year.