It was a few days after the new year, the Rubbish Tips/Dump had just reopened after the festive period, cars were queuing to dump their cardboard and wrapping paper, surplus items, and although this is nothing new. This is not what surprised me. Normally the Council who runs our tip has one lorry container for putting technology in. On this occasion though it was overflowing and a couple of trailers extra had been brought in. All were full with hi-fi’s, old computers and TV’s. But as I awaited my turn to deposit cardboard to be recycled I got talking to a man. He was throwing out a massive LCD TV complete with satellite speakers (Bluetooth) what was wrong with them I asked, he said “Absolutely nothing I just upgraded” Now I could not ask him for them, the rules don’t allow for that. But let me then explain what happens with stuff that goes into those containers.
The Containers when full go to a local company (Profitable) that tests everything, if they work they clean them up and re-sell them for a profit, if they don’t work, the employees (read volunteers usually disabled) download the tech sheets and then if possible fix the item and then resell it. If not fixable the components that are usable are stripped and the remainder is then sold off as scrap.
Why does this upset me so much? There are families out there who are living in absolute poverty who would appreciate gifts like that. Yet instead they will be sold on to charity shops and then sold on for top money. Another example of this is Facebook Marketplace. I see things offered for free, and then I find later on in Charity shops for money. Basically, I get so annoyed that these organizations are profiting off things offered for free, and I bet the people who gave the stuff away are not aware that they are being sold on. It is about honesty! I, in future will ask people before I donate stuff “Is this being Sold On”
More I get upset about people replacing things that are not broken when they could just be passed on. If you don’t know who to pass stuff on to you could try your local Child Services, or ask at a library. Please do not donate to Women’s Aid, as I am very anti that organization. They are PRO anti-Men, and blame men for everything that happens, that however is a whole blog post in itself.
Marcus, has been involved in Internet applications since the dawn of time, He has managed teams, managed companies and managed an Autistic household too.
He has a massive interest in Scifi and fantasy novels, cooking, Amateur Radio and the Weather as well as many other subjects. Marcus has a Doctorate in Musicology, and is a lifetime scholar. If Marcus doesn't know the answer he will definitely find it!
