The University of Manchester IT Amnesty has immediate impact, saving 1,370 devices from going to waste

The University of Manchester, part of the Russell Group, is the largest single-site university in the UK. It's a centre of teaching and research excellence that delivers world-class student experience and social responsibility.

The University has pledged to achieve Net Zero by 2050, and its sustainability strategy includes sustainable procurement initiatives.

Converge Technology Solutions (formerly known as Stone, A Converge Company) already provides recycling to the University on the NWUPC framework, and since 2022 Converge has collected more than 33,000 pre-owned devices from the University.

Beyond IT recycling, the University has worked with Converge since 2017, purchasing devices with Autopilot pre-provisioning, laser-etching and custom BIOS settings.

John Vass-de-Zomba, the University’s IT Environmental Sustainability Manager, is responsible for reducing the impact of the University’s IT estate and devised the IT Amnesty.

“When I started in 2023, I wanted quick results and the size of the University means that we have a lot of laptops and a high turnover - that led me to Converge.”

Taking Sustainability Seriously

The University’s strategy tallies well with Converge’s approach, and John met the firm’s Global Director of Sustainability, Sheryl Moore, in January 2024.

“We talked about the device manufacturing, material extraction, and Scope 3 emissions – things that contribute to the lifetime impact of technology – and the need for cultural change within organisations, too.

That’s partly why he chose to run an IT Amnesty. Not only because it could improve sustainability – but because it’s also “a big visible thing with a physical presence on campus.”

Creating a successful IT Amnesty

Before the Amnesty could deliver that cultural and sustainability impact, John needed to work with Converge to establish its viability.

“I asked if Converge could cope – and my partner manager said yes without batting an eyelid. She told us to send whatever we had, and that’s exactly what we did.”

John also needed to establish that Converge had the right security credentials.

“I examined Converge’s accreditations,” he explained. “You’ve got ISO 27001 for information security, you’re a Blancco Gold ITAD Partner and Cyber Essentials Plus certified. The reporting was important, too – it provides reassurance.”

“I was able to look people in the eye and confidently say that your data is safe.”

A successful Amnesty thanks to staff, students, and Converge

The Amnesty ran in April 2024 and the University accepted 5.5 tonnes of IT from students and staff – with everything from laptops and PCs to games consoles and phones collected.

“We had a bigger uptake than anyone expected,” says John. Indeed, one drop-off point became so busy that the University couldn’t keep up.

“On that Wednesday, we collected a terrifying amount of kit,” laughed John, “Converge had to send an 18-tonne lorry, not a transit van!”

A real impact – and plans for the future

The Amnesty saw 1,370 devices handed in, with 40 laptops and 20 monitors retained for reuse by the University and 506 devices reused or refurbished by Converge. The rest were recycled at Converge’s zero-to-landfill facility.

John confirms that the University’s reuse of forty laptops means that around 12 tonnes of CO2 has been prevented from entering their IT estate – reducing Scope 3 emissions.

Converge’s social value reporting system provides a fuller picture of the University’s work.

In 2024 the University prevented 57 tonnes of IT from going to landfill and the University’s recycling saved 407 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

Since 2022, Converge has helped the University save the equivalent of 2.6 million plastic bottles’ worth of plastic and enough energy to run 289,260 TVs for a year. They’ve also planted 186 trees with Converge and Ecologi.

And, unsurprisingly, John sees the bigger picture.

“My goal is sustainability gains, but I don’t underplay the fact that the Amnesty saved us money,” explains John. “The financial gains help me create change.”

John is enthusiastic about running more Amnesty weeks in the future, too.

“There are so many benefits and no downsides. Our Information Governance Office is interested because out-of-date devices are a security risk – eliminating those makes us less vulnerable.”

And John is clear about the role Converge played in the process.

“Converge’s capabilities in terms of IT recycling, redistributing, reuse and refurbishing are great, and excellent in terms of minimising environmental impact.”

And, on a practical level, he’s enthused. “Working with Converge was easy. Communications were rapid, informative and helpful, and you’re open to working closely with us.”

There’s no denying that John cares about his work and cares about having a genuine impact, and that’s precisely what he’s done by working with Converge.