n The Big Interview with Tim Nicholson of Compare and Recycle

Tim Nicholson has carved a niche as a commercially savvy business manager who has worked across several sectors, from recruitment to magazine advertising and sales. Now he’s doing his bit to help businesses be less wasteful with their devices as commercial manager at Maidstone-based Compare and Recycle, the UK’s largest independent mobile phone recycling comparison site.

The award-winning company has helped more than 2.5 million customers receive in excess of a hundred million pounds for their used devices by enabling them to compare a vast array of different recycling companies on the market.

It was a far cry from Tim’s early career, when he went into a customer service-based role after gaining a business and economics qualification at college. Then he caught the travelling bug and jetted off around the world, sampling the sights and sounds of Australia and Asia.

Tim says: “Back then, I didn’t want to grow up and settle into a career! I managed to find work in Sydney and became friends with a recruitment consultant. Every Friday we went to the pub and he left us with his company credit card – so I thought it might be a fun industry to get into!

“After returning to the UK, I got a job in B2B magazine advertising and sales with a view to eventually getting into recruitment. I established a regular recruitment section within the magazine and then landed my first job in the industry.

“I enjoyed recruitment so much; it gave me a real buzz. My enthusiasm and natural aptitude for the work meant that I progressed quickly up the ranks, from consultant to a managerial role.”

Tim eventually launched his own firm, CIM Recruitment, in 2009. But the pressure of being his own boss eventually took its toll.

“When you run your own business, you have to do everything,” he says. “I wanted to have a better work-life balance so I started to look for other opportunities. When I ran my company, I recruited for Compare and Recycle so I knew the MD very well. That’s how I joined the team. Now we’re the UK’s largest independent mobile phone recycling site. We operate across the country with the vision to expand internationally.’’

Our main customers are individual consumers but businesses cycle through as many if not more devices contributing to the e-waste problem. We want to help businesses become more sustainable with their used devices.

“The move to hybrid working has significantly increased the demand for digital equipment. As a result, many businesses are now left with unwanted or outdated devices that they need to get rid of.”

Latest statistics from the United Nations show that e-waste is the fastest growing waste stream globally. Annually the figures keep rising and it is estimated to have reached an eye-watering 57.4 million tonnes in 2021. Europe alone generates 12 million tonnes of e-waste each year – equivalent of 350 cruise ships the size of the Queen Mary.

Tim says: “While the need for businesses to recycle devices is apparent, the main concern is data safety. There’s a lot of sensitive data in these devices, which could have massive implications legally and reputationally for businesses if this information ended up in the wrong hands. We work with a panel of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive approved partners ensuring devices are data-wiped to GDPR standards and don’t end up in landfill. “The recycled devices are often resold to education authorities, charities among others to give them a second life.”

With more people and businesses looking to improve their carbon footprint, Compare and Recycle is the solution to do the right thing and dispose of used devices responsibly. In 2021 alone Compare and Recycle prevented more than 26t of devices from becoming e-waste and achieved a whopping £29 million for their customers via its comparison site. Now it’s looking to expand its service offering and help firms recycle tech such as MacBooks, laptops, tablets and phones.

“Around 83% of devices globally aren’t recycled responsibly,” says Tim. “Solving the problem comes down to each individual and businesses making the right choices and rethinking the way we purchase, use and dispose of electronics.”

“There’s a change in buying habits now, with more people choosing refurbished tech. Previously, consumers typically went for shiny new devices but now they’re making more sustainable choices and saving money at the same time by shopping refurbished options."

Compare and Recycle has undertaken a study on which UK cities recycle the most tech and Newcastle upon Tyne has claimed the top spot.

“We’re three years into this project which helps to raise awareness of the need to recycle goods.” says Tim. “It’s great to recognise local cities for their efforts and help others do likewise.”

Favourite food? Thai food.

Red wine or whisky.

Anywhere with a warm ocean, beach volleyball, swim-up bar and a kids club!

I'm fortunate to have three kids – a son and two daughters. I love spending as much time as possible on days out, walks, trips to London or a quiet evening with a movie.

downtime? Downtime – what’s that?! I’m enjoying getting back into the gym after a long layoff. I also enjoy a spot of golf and meals out with friends. Being able to go out still feels like a gift at times.

as a manager? My energy and commitment to getting projects completed. I love being part of a team that works towards a common goal.

And your limitations? I tend to want to be involved in everything and often end up taking on more tasks than necessary.

We’re lucky to be located in a hub area close to London and have access to great talent and likeminded businesses that help driving positive change in the south east of England.

David Attenborough.

yourself? That’s a question for someone else to answer but I have no webbed feet or hidden skeletons to reveal!