RECOSI, consulting, services, trade, brokerage, Ltd, social enterprise
About this good practice
The Recosi social franchise was founded in 2014 in Ireland with the aim of helping social enterprises to develop their activity in the field of professional restoration of used computer equipment. With more than 50 years of experience in this industry, they advise and help social enterprises to establish a comprehensive process of refurbishing used computer equipment to become self-sustaining and less dependent on government subsidies. They currently operate in Ireland, USA and in Slovenia.
Recosi is a social enterprise, which was founded in January 2017 in Slovenska Bistrica, where they restore and market top-quality refurbished computer equipment of the business line to companies, schools, non-profit organizations and end users. In short, everyone who wants to save up to 80% when buying computer equipment.
The company constantly strives for development and growth in order to become recognizable not only in Slovenia, but also on the European market. Their mission is to enable real jobs in the social economy, to employ and train people long-term unemployed people and enable them to learn work skills and knowledge in the field of computing, sales and re-marketing.
Main stakeholders and beneficiaries of the practice are schools, non-profit organizations as well as end users.
Resources needed
RECOSI is a partner of Techsoup in Ireland, Great Britain, Slovenia, Italy and the Balkan countries. Information on financial resources is unknown.
Evidence of success
Computer equipment is refurbished under the PAS 141 standard, which makes it safe for continued use. The price of this type of equipment is up to 80% lower compared to the original price, which means huge savings especially for vulnerable groups
Recosi Slovenska Bistrica, a trailblazer in renovating used computer equipment, has successfully refurbished over 5,000 computers, extending their lifecycle by an average of 3 years and diverting more than 50 tons of e-waste from landfills annually.
Potential for learning or transfer
Recosi Slovenska Bistrica has significant potential for knowledge transfer to other companies, as it can share its expertise in refurbishing computer equipment and sustainable practices. This could lead to business improvement and environmental responsibility enhancement for other enterprises.