Ashburton’s Recycle a Device programme is running from the Ashburton Library this year and continuing to refurbish donated laptops for charity.

Recycle a Device (RAD) teaches young people tech engineering skills while they refurbish the laptops, which are then given free to people in the community who need them.

Ashburton Library Manager Jill Watson said RAD had previously run at Ashburton College, but was being based at the library this year.

“We recently held the first big workshop of the year and were pleased to have about 20 young people come along. There’ll be regular weekly sessions starting 7 February when they can come back and put their new skills to work.”

The library has a wait list of about 60 people wanting refurbished laptops and they gave out 26 devices in November and December.

Miss Watson said the young people were curious and quick learners, and at ease with poking around in the electronics of a laptop.

“Being able to do running repairs on a device is a very handy skill to have and they’ll be able to help their families and friends as well. It’s also a great skill to have on your CV, whether you’re applying for a job or a place in a hall of residence at university, and you are giving something back to your community.”

RAD is a nationwide programme, giving new life to laptops, that are often donated by big corporates or organisations as they update their own hardware; the programme also prevents e-waste and promotes recycling.

The Ashburton Library’s RAD club is on every Friday during term time, from 3.30pm-5pm, and is open to those 12-18 years. First session of 2025 is 7 February.

Have questions? Email library@adc.govt.nz