Recycling computers at an Earth Day event

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Abstract

People often don't know where to take their used or outdated computer equipment for recycling. AmeriCorps*VISTA members, serving with Teaming for Technology as part of the Philadelphia Digital Divide Network (PDDN) coordinated a computer recycling event to correspond with Earth Day 2002. Morgan Riffer with Teaming for Technology submitted this effective practice in May 2002.

Issue

Computers and monitors contain many hazardous materials, including lead, mercury, and cadmium. If used computers or monitors are left curbside, they will end up at a landfill or an incinerator where these toxins can be released into the groundwater and air, posing serious health risks.

Action

AmeriCorps*VISTA members, serving with Teaming for Technology (part of the Philadelphia Digital Divide Network) coordinated a computer recycling event to correspond with Earth Day 2002.
The primary partners for this event were Teaming for Technology, Urban Technology Project and Nonprofit Technology Resources.
The event was advertised by e-mail over local, community focused and computer user focused listservs. The program director submitted event listings to local papers and AmeriCorps*VISTA members posted fliers in grocery stores, libraries, and commuter rail stations.
The event was held at Nonprofit Technology Resources in downtown Philadelphia.
Used and outdated computers, monitors, mice, keyboards, and printers were all accepted at the event.
Participants paid a $5.00 fee to drop off monitors, and $2.00 to drop off printers.
All fees were used to offset the cost of recycling the equipment.
Selected equipment was refurbished for donation to non-profit organizations, schools, and low-income individuals in the community according to program needs.
Remaining equipment was taken to a local Philadelphia company that recycles electronic and computer equipment for a fee. Any unusable equipment would then be salvaged for copper, steel, and other metals that are sold to wholesalers. (Check with your local recycling coordinator for a list of electronics recyclers in your area.)

Context

The Philadelphia Digital Divide Network is a group of non-profit organizations in the Philadelphia area who collect, repair, and distribute computers to those who would not otherwise have access to technology, creating learning opportunities for youth, teachers, non-profit organizational staff, job training participants, and community members.Teaming for Technology typically accepts computers they can refurbish, but the Earth Day event was a chance for people to dispose of completely outdated equipment.

Outcome

Residents were given a chance to recycle used and outdated computer equipment.

Teaming for Technology was able to refurbish computers and equipment to give back to community members in need.

Evidence

About 50 people came with their old computers and equipment over the course of the Earth Day event (2002). About 60 computers, 70 monitors and 50 printers were dropped off.