UK Milkman Now Picks Up Your Broken Tech for Recycling
A British dairy delivery service is solving a growing problem by collecting broken electronics and toys during regular grocery runs. The Modern Milkman serves 100,000 homes and turns unwanted gadgets into recycled materials.
Your milkman might just become your favorite recycling hero.
The Modern Milkman, a UK grocery delivery service reaching over 100,000 households, now picks up broken phones, laptops, and toys alongside dropping off your morning milk and butter. For £2.50, customers can fill a collection bag with unwanted electronics that get properly recycled or repurposed through specialist EMR Group.
Founder Simon Mellin spotted a real gap in the market. "We did a lot of research and there is not really a convenient way to deal with this stuff," he said.
The numbers tell a troubling story. British households now average 30 broken tech items each, up from just 20 four years ago. The country disposes of roughly 2 million tonnes of electronic waste annually.
While retailers must offer take-back programs and some councils collect electronics curbside, small items like cables, chargers, and old phones often end up forgotten in drawers or tossed in regular trash. The new service makes recycling as simple as setting out yesterday's milk bottles.
Mellin grew up on a farm and left school without qualifications. He launched The Modern Milkman in Burnley in 2019, working through local independent suppliers and franchisees across 40% of the UK, from Newcastle to Bristol.
The business weathered pandemic ups and downs but found its footing. UK sales rose last year and continue climbing as the company expands its services and reaches new homes.
The Ripple Effect
After successful trials in four regions, the electronics collection now rolls out across all operations. The company plans to tackle soft plastics and textiles next, building what Mellin calls "a stronger proposition" focused on sustainable growth.
The service transforms a routine delivery into an environmental win. Instead of letting broken gadgets pile up or dumping them improperly, families can declutter responsibly without making special trips to recycling centers.
The Modern Milkman also acquired dairy delivery businesses in five US states, bringing the model to Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Ohio, and New York. Group sales hit £52 million in 2024, up 13%, with losses narrowing as the business scales.
Sometimes the best innovations simply make doing the right thing easier.
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Based on reporting by Guardian Environment
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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