What Was Mirror Go Green?
Back in 2010, the Daily Mirror launched an online recycling programme called Mirror Go Green, created to help readers recycle unwanted gadgets in a simple, environmentally responsible way. It was one of the first national newspaper-backed schemes of its kind, arriving at a time when electronic waste was becoming a major concern in the UK.
How the Scheme Worked
The idea was very straightforward. Readers could visit the Mirror Go Green website, enter the details of the device they wanted to recycle — whether it was a mobile phone, laptop, digital camera or sat nav — and instantly see how much they could earn from it. The service covered both working and non-working items, making it inclusive for anyone clearing out their old tech.
Freepost Envelopes and Courier Collection
Once readers submitted their item details, Mirror Go Green would send out a freepost envelope so the device could be returned at no cost. Laptops were even collected by courier, which made the whole process feel effortless.
Who Was Behind Mirror Go Green?
The scheme was powered by ShP Limited, a major UK electronics recycler based in Lancaster. At the time, ShP employed more than 80 staff across two sites and was already known for its consumer brand mopay.co.uk, one of the first “cash for old mobiles” services in the country.
A Focus on Reuse and Global Impact
Devices sent in through Mirror Go Green were reused or refurbished in line with the EU WEEE Directive. Many refurbished mobiles were shipped to developing countries, where access to affordable new handsets was limited. This not only reduced electronic waste but also extended the life of tech that still had plenty of use left in it.
The Mirror’s Environmental Push
Mirror Group Newspapers launched the initiative as part of a wider campaign to encourage greener living. Jonathan Bury, Head of Commercial Partnerships at the time, highlighted the programme as a way of giving something back to readers while strengthening the Mirror’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
What Happened to Mirror Go Green?
Like many early recycling schemes, Mirror Go Green eventually closed as the market evolved and new trade-in platforms emerged. But it played a key role in bringing recycling awareness to mainstream audiences, long before mobile trade-in became the norm.
Want to Recycle Your Old Tech Today?
Although Mirror Go Green is no longer around, services like Envirofone make it just as easy to recycle old phones and gadgets today. If you’ve uncovered an old drawer full of devices, you can check how much they’re worth in seconds.
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Mirror Go Green made recycling feel easy, accessible and rewarding at a time when few people were thinking about what happened to their old gadgets. It helped push the entire industry forward, and its legacy lives on in today’s modern trade-in and refurbishment services.
