Dixons, Currys and Comet will accept battery-powered AM/FM radios (not hi-fi separates or mains-only sets) from July 6-26. John Lewis and a number of independent retailers are also taking part.
In return, consumers can get 10% off the price of digital radios from participating manufacturers Roberts, Pure Digital, Sony and Panasonic.
Billed as a radio amnesty for Africa, aping the now familiar gun and knives amnesties whereby people can hand in weapons to police stations without fear of prosecution, the campaign will be fronted by BBC TV presenter Nick Knowles from 'DIY SOS' and also known for his work with Comic Relief and Sport Relief. Radio Five Live will lead the promotion of the amnesty.
"A disused radio set, gathering dust in a spare room in Tunbridge Wells, could end up making a real difference to a family in Somalia," Knowles said.
The radios collected will be reconditioned, fitted with new batteries and shipped for distribution in Somalia and south Sudan by the BBC World Service Trust and its partner, the African Educational Trust.
The BBC said that radio is the most widespread medium in Somalia, with the BBC Somali Service by far the most popular broadcaster.
Simon Nelson, controller of BBC Radio and music interactive, said: "Everyone involved benefits from this initiative: consumers get a discount, DAB radio sales will increase, and it all helps to support some of the fantastic work the World Service Trust is doing in Africa."
Dixons' sales of digital radios outstripped its sales of analogue radios for the first time in January. Overall sales of digital radios are forecast to grow by 50% in 2005.
The campaign will coincide with a digital radio awareness campaign, running for four weeks from tomorrow and featuring Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders. This has been paid for by the Digital Radio Development Bureau, which is funded by the BBC and leading commercial radio operators.
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