Computer Recycling & Reuse
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Computer Recycling & Reuse Program -
Our Work
CompuMentor's work serves many stakeholders:
- We offer services that help build the capacity of nonprofit-based computer refurbishers.
- Our recycled computer listings on TechSoup make it easier for individuals and businesses to donate computers to refurbishers, who in turn make them available to schools and nonprofits. TechSoup is the technology web site for nonprofits, created by CompuMentor.
- We are conducting a body of research that will help define the current state and the potential of noncommercial computer reuse. Based on our research findings, we will develop recommendations for government policy makers, the high-tech industry, and the nonprofit/school community on how to grow the sector.
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While CompuMentor works to develop the noncommercial computer recycling and reuse field, we are not a recycler or refurbisher ourselves. If you wish to donate computers, or if you'd like to obtain refurbished computers, please use the resource lists we have compiled on TechSoup, CompuMentor's technology web site for nonprofits.
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Recycled Hardware Listings
We have compiled the nation's most comprehensive lists of hardware manufacturers and resellers and refurbishers that provide used hardware to non-profit organizations. The lists are searchable by ZIP code and they are available on TechSoup, the technology website for nonprofits created by CompuMentor.
http://www.techsoup.org/recycle/list
Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) Donation Program
MAR is an initiative of Microsoft Corporation and CompuMentor. Through the program, Microsoft provides donated Windows 98 and Windows 2000 operating systems to nonprofit PC refurbishers. CompuMentor administers the program. MAR reduces the cost refurbishers incur when handling donated PCs, which makes the equipment more affordable to nonprofits and schools. More information about the program and eligibility guidelines can be found at http://www.techsoup.org/mar
Information and Advice
Visit the Recycled Hardware section of TechSoup. You'll find a wide range of practical information and advice about refurbished computers, including how to acquire a donated computer and how to donate your old PC http://www.techsoup.org/recycle/index.cfm
Work with schools and nonprofits
1996-1998: San Francisco Mentors in Schools
Through the project, a hardware-refurbishing workshop was implemented at a San Francisco school. Students acquired vocational skills by learning how to refurbish computers. During the project, the students refurbished a great number of discarded computers for reuse by district students and teachers. CompuMentor helped the school district design a materials flow system. This system enabled a small number of students and staff to efficiently test and refurbish a large number of computers (up to 200 per month), while disposing of remaining materials responsibly.
Partners: San Francisco School District
Funders: Mary A. Crocker Trust, San Francisco Foundation, Fleishhacker Foundation, Miranda Lux Foundation, Gap Foundation, Morris Stulsaft Foundation
Results: The computer-refurbishing workshop was in operation until the fall of 2002 and placed thousands of computers in classrooms, labs, and low-income student homes.
2001: Resource Area for Teachers (RAFT), Demonstration Project
For this demonstration project, CompuMentor and RAFT installed recycled computers in four low-income schools located in Santa Clara County and trained teachers to use them optimally. The project's long-term goal was to introduce technology into classrooms in a sustainable fashion and help teachers teach to high standards.
Partners: RAFT
Funders: Applied Materials Corporation and eBay Foundation
Results: In 2003, 90% of the computers were still in full use two to three hours per school day.
2003: Basic research - Total Cost of Ownership of Refurbished Computers
CompuMentor is currently engaged in a research project to compare refurbished and new computers in regard to cost of ownership for nonprofits. We will assess the performance of both new and refurbished computers at nonprofits in four different settings. Participating nonprofit organizations receive up to 10 PCs including software, installation, and technical support for six months.
This work is being conducted by CompuMentor's Network and Infrastructure team and our Scheduled Support services team.
Partners: Citizens Housing Corporation, Coro Northern California, Global Education Partnership, Volunteer Center of Contra Costa County
Funders: Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund
Results: Will be available end of 2003
Baseline computer reuse research
2003: Basic Research - Baseline Report for Computer Reuse in the San Francisco Bay Area
While there is general agreement that refurbished computers represent a vastly under-developed resource, there is good reason for skepticism about the success of refurbished computers even in optimum market conditions. Important questions need to be answered for this debate to move forward. CompuMentor and its partners are conducting research on the current state and potential of noncommercial computer reuse in the Bay Area. Results of this comprehensive study will inform future reuse efforts in this region and provide a model for other communities.
Partners: Catalyst Alliance and the University of California Berkeley, Haas School of Business
Funders: Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, and Mary A. Crocker Trust
Results: Read our report Islands in the Wastestream
Nonprofit and school-based computer recycling/refurbishing programs
2003: Basic Research - Prerequisites for Successful Nonprofit- and School-based Computer Recycling/Refurbishing programs
This research will involve in-depth studies of refurbishers of various sizes and missions to identify the elements necessary to create viable and recycling/refurbishing operations. CompuMentor will also investigate areas of work that refurbishers have found to be counterproductive. In addition, we will also interview refurbished equipment end-users to determine current and potential use patterns of refurbished equipment.
Partners: CURA, OTX West, Kidango
Funders: Alameda County Recycling Board
Results: Will be available early in 2004
Disposing of CRT Monitors
2003: Basic research - Options for Disposing CRT Monitors
A growing number of states, counties, and municipal waste disposal authorities are making it illegal to discard any cathode ray tube (CRT) computer or television monitors in solid waste landfills. As a result, computer refurbishers and recyclers have to bear the cost of disposal for these monitors. With disposal costs being substantial, they become a crucial factor in whether a small recycling operation survives. Our work will identify the various options that small recyclers have for disposing of CRT monitors in the Bay Area.
Partners:
Funders: Mary A. Crocker Trust
Results: Will be available early in 2004
Community/municipal work
2003: Basic research - Diverting Computers from Transfer Stations
CompuMentor is working with the Alameda County and the San Francisco waste management programs to determine the amount of working computers received by transfer stations. This work will identify efficient ways for municipal waste management programs to divert computers destined for landfills toward noncommercial reuse.
Partners: Alameda County
Funders: Alameda County Recycling Board, San Francisco Dept. of Environment
Results: Will be available early in 2004
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