How To Donate Power Tools

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How To Donate Power Tools

Sometimes, you can end up with tools you don’t use anymore. If you’re a trade professional, there will be times when you upgrade your tool kit to take advantage of new technologies or just get more done. If you’re a DIY hobbyist, maybe a new, more powerful tool was a birthday or Christmas gift. In either case, there’s a question you need to answer:

What do I do with the old tool?

There are lots of ways to recycle tools you don’t need any more and this blog has a few ideas that can help you clear out clutter and do your bit for the environment.

Where Can I Donate Power Tools To?

There are community groups and charities all over the UK who can utilise tools you no longer need. One such charity, which accepts donations of all kinds of items, not just tools, is the Reuse Network. This collective brings together around 120 charitable organisations from all four nations of the United Kingdom, all of which work to alleviate poverty, reduce waste and tackle climate change.

Recycle for Greater Manchester repair and refurbish donated items then re-sell them via their network of Renew shops. Money raised through sales made in the Renew shops will be donated to the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity and the Recycle for Greater Manchester Community Fund.

Another example not far from our base in Wigan is the Liverpool Tool Library. This is a community resource which operates on a ‘pay what you can afford’ basis and offers more than 800 tools for short-term loan. Down in Devon, ShareShed is a mobile service which calls at seven locations around the County. Share Shack is a project based in Birmingham with two permanent locations and a variety of ‘pop up’ Shacks in community venues.

In Scotland, there are almost two dozen tool libraries and similar projects within the Share & Repair Network. The Benthyg Network operates 18 Libraries of Things across Wales while in Northern Ireland, the Belfast Tool Library opens new premises in June 2023.

In addition, several charities collect and refurbish tools for redistribution either in the UK or elsewhere. Examples include The Conservation Foundation, Workaid and Tools With a Mission.

If you want to provide a helping hand to someone in your local area, you could give your tools away via an app like Freegle.

READ MORE: DIY - A Beginners Guide

How Do I Prepare My Tools Before Donating Them?

Are they complete? If donating a cordless power tool, check that you’re also passing on a battery (and a charger, if possible). If you’re passing on hand tools, such as a screwdriver set, make sure all the pieces are present.
Are they clean and in good condition? Most Tool Libraries can make use of tools which need sharpening or very minor repairs but, as a rule, it’s best if they can be used straight away. If you’ve had shears in the shadows of your shed, a quick wipe down to clear off dust and cobwebs will be appreciated. A bit of rust shouldn’t be a problem, but seriously rusty tools are best taken to your local authority’s nearest suitable facility.

Can I Recycle My Old Power Tools?

If you don’t have a Tool Library or similar project in your area, you may need to recycle power tools you no longer use. This is especially true if you use them in the running of a business. The UK has a comprehensive set of regulations covering the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE); if your item has a crossed-out wheelie bin on it (and pretty much any product with a cable, plug or battery does) then it is covered by these rules.

Fortunately, recycling electrical items which are at the end of their working life has never been easier. The website Recycle your Electricals has a brilliant recycling locator. This handy tool will show you the nearest places to take WEEE items, based on where you are and what you need to recycle. The website also has an informative article about why WEEE recycling is important.

What Sustainable Power Tools Are Available?

It can be difficult to consider any power tool to be “sustainable”. After all, even cordless power tools run on lithium-ion batteries. But a cordless outdoor power tool can be considered to be more eco-friendly than a petrol-powered equivalent because it eliminates exhaust emissions, runs more quietly and requires less maintenance.

Manufacturers are also changing the way they design and build tools. A great example is the Numatic ERP180-11 240v Eco Vac which is made from up to 75% of the highest quality, recycled material and equipped with Numatic's highest efficiency motor yet. The ERP180 has no reduction in performance compared with predecessor models and is designed, engineered and built for sustainable productivity.

In addition, most major tool manufacturers offer extended warranties of between three and five years if you register your new tool with them after purchase. While it’s sensible to take advantage of these extended warranties, remember that modern tools are built to withstand serious workloads and will provide many years of service if used appropriately and stored sensibly. The longer working life of newer tools does help to make them more sustainable than older-style tools.

ToolStore UK – here when you need us!

You may be looking to upgrade your toolkit or, inspired by this blog, you might be looking to get another year or two out of your existing collection. Whichever is true, we’re happy to help with whatever you need. From accessories and consumables and equipment and storage through to power tools and hand tools, our knowledgeable team is always available to assist. Whether you visit us at our store in Wigan, send us a message or call 03330 043777, you can be sure of getting honest, straightforward advice.

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