Millions of unwanted computers and laptops have been dumped in council tips rather than recycled or donated for use in other countries, according to a new report. A survey of more than 1,000 adults showed that fewer than half had donated an old computer to a charity and only one in 10 made sure they were recycled.

The report said it was clear that many people were making no attempt to recycle their unwanted computer equipment, often dumping goods in their household rubbish or even in the countryside.

Fujitsu Siemens called for dedicated areas to be set up at municipal tips across the UK to stop the waste of so many computers and other electrical goods.

Dave Pritchard of Fujitsu Siemens Computers said: “Although our survey showed that one in four people do take their rubbish to their local tip, unless their laptop or PC is assessed on the site, there is no guarantee that it will be passed on for re-use or recycle. This is a huge missed opportunity.”