Where to donate and recycle old computer equipment
Disposal of electronic equipment such as older computers and printers is becoming a larger problem every day. In some cases it is common pay to properly dispose of many types of older equipment. The non-profit organizations listed below are primarily interested in receiving equipment that they can either use or resell, and are not interested in receiving equipment that they themselves will just have to pay to dispose of.
Many states have passed laws that prohibit the dumping of items such as monitors, computers and printers, and are requiring that these items be properly disposed of. Locate a non-profit organization that will accept your equipment at no charge or contact a recycling center to properly dispose of your equipment.
Determine the value of the Equipment
To get an idea of the value of the old equipment, search an auction site for the model of the equipment you are donating.
Non-profit organizations accepting donations
The following non-profit organizations are dedicated to recycling computers, office equipment, and other technology related items. Each organization has a different emphasis and process of donation, so look at these listings to see which one is most appropriate for the equipment you would like to donate or recycle.
The PEP National Directory of Computer Recycling Programs
The PEP National Directory of Computer Recycling Programs lists recycling programs both in the United States and around the world. Check there database for a location in location that may be able to take your old equipment, refurbish it, and return it to a useful in your local community.
National Cristina Foundation
The National Cristina Foundation (NCF) maintains a database of pre-screened charitable organizations that can use certain types of computer and other business equipment for training and educational purposes. NCF will check their database to see who can use it. When they find a match, they will tell you where to ship the equipment.
Donors do have to pay shipping, but NCF is qualified with the IRS to give you special tax deductions for the equipment you donate. These tax deductions may total more than the cost of your equipment. NCF will attempt to place equipment that is up to10 years old. Equipment older than that will generally be directed to recycling facilities.
NCF can accept large and small donations, down to a single piece of equipment, and requires that you fill out a form describing the equipment you would like to donate, and then return the form to them.
Contact the National Cristina Foundation: Call 800-CRISTINA
(1-800-274-7846) (203) 967-8000, or fax to (203) 406-9725
National Cristina Foundation
National Cristina Foundation, 181 Harbor Drive, Stamford, CT 06902-7474
Gifts In Kind America
Gifts In Kind America (GIKA) is very similar to the National Cristina Foundation, except that GIKA accepts all types of commodities, and does not restrict itself to just computer and office equipment. It offers the same tax benefits, and can accept large and small quantities.
Contact the Gifts In Kind America:
Call (703) 836-2121
Fax (703) 549-1481
ProductDonations@GiftsInKind.org
Gifts In Kind America
333 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
Where to recycle old electronic equipment
Educational Assistance Ltd
Educational Assistance Ltd. (EAL) only accepts donations of newer computers and excess inventory from corporations nationwide. Their priority is to exchange these goods for scholarships within a national network of accredited colleges and universities. All scholarships are designated for students with severe financial need. Founded in 1982, EAL is a tax exempt [IRS 501 (c) (3)] nonprofit organization that is qualified to receive tax-deductible contributions.
There are no fees for EAL's services, and EAL coordinates the entire donation process. EAL provides a donation receipt for tax purposes. EAL will follow your guidelines when determining where your donation will be placed, and scholarships can be awarded in your company name.
Contact EAL:
(630) 690-0010
Fax (630) 690-0565
Email: info@ealworks.org
Mail: Educational Assistance Ltd.. Mail to PO Box 3021, Glen Ellyn, IL, 60138
Goodwill Industries
Goodwill Industries is about people working. The organization is one of the world's largest nonprofit providers of employment and training services for people with disabilities and other disadvantaging conditions such as welfare dependency, illiteracy, criminal history and homelessness. To fund its programs, Goodwill collects donated clothing and household goods and then sells these items in more than 1,500 retail stores throughout North America and beyond. Goodwill also raises money by providing contract services to community-based businesses. Nearly 83% of revenues are channeled into job training/placement programs and other critical community services.
The Goodwill network extends to virtually every corner of the U.S. and Canada, with 187 autonomous member organizations in North America. It also has 54 international associate members in 37 countries.
In addition, Goodwill Industries of Southern California has established its Computer Recycling Services, which specializes in collecting, refurbishing, and selling used computer equipment. They can work with smaller companies, as well as organizations that are upgrading and need to get rid of larger quantities of older computers. So far, this is only offered in the Los Angeles area, but check with your local Goodwill to see how they can help you when you upgrade computer equipment.
Visit The Goodwill Industries web site for more information.
Computers for Schools
This Chicago based non-profit organization has affiliates in 34 states that refurbish donated Pentium PC's and late model Macintoshes, then distribute them to needy schools. To find out if the equipment qualifies and how to make a tax deductible donation, or to receive more information on how the program works, visit Computers for Schools, or call 800 939-6000.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. This organization will accept many types of computer equipment in working condition. Visit their website to find a nearby location, and to see if they can accept the type of equipment you would like to donate.
World Computer Exchange
World Computer Exchange (WCE) is a non-profit dedicated to helping the world's poorest youth bridge the disturbing global divides in information, technology and understanding. WCE does this by keeping donated PC, Mac, and Laptop computers out of landfills and giving them new life connecting youth in developing countries to the Internet. The computers and networking gear connect schools in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to tech-savvy sister-schools for cultural exchanges to deepen understanding of technology and of their cultures and histories. From companies, we seek to leverage in-kind donations of computer and networking gear, other in-kind services, and volunteers. From universities and high schools, we seek students from their community service programs to help in our work and to visit and train local youth in technology in exchange for learning about local history and culture. We also seek tech-savvy K-12 sister-schools for these schools that are so new to technology.
Visit their website for more information.
Boys and Girls Clubs of America
In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them. Boys & Girls Clubs offer that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow -- all while having fun. It is truly The Positive Place For Kids.
Contact them to see if they can make use of the equipment you would like to donate.
Electronic Industries Alliance
The Consumer Education Initiative (CEI) is a program developed by the Environmental Issues Council of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). Its purpose is to inform consumers about nationwide recycling and reuse opportunities for used electronics.
ElectronicsRecycling.net
This web site offers a wealth of electronics recycling information representing nationwide industry work groups (e.g., collection, demanufacturing, refurbishment/resell, research, recycling). It also provides guidance to households and organizations for promoting recycling efforts.
San Francisco Bay Area Computer Recycling & Reuse Directory
List organizations in the San Francisco Bay area which recycle old equipment, sorted by city, zip code, and types of equipment accepted.
Computer Recycling Center™ - Computers & Education "Computer Recycling Center" (CRC) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. Founded in 1991 it is the largest in California, and the oldest in the USA, continuously operating full-service collection, reuse, and refurbishment program. Working with businesses and municipalities, CRC's participation in collection and drop-off programs diverted over 6 million pounds of computer equipment from landfills last year. Reuse of entire units is given highest priority, followed by disassembly for reuse of parts, and finally recycling for the elements of unusable remaining items.
The California Integrated Waste Management Board
Well indexed list of organizations throughout California that recycle all types of electronic products, including computers, office equipment, phones, televisions, stereos and other electronic equipment.
Per Scholas
Provides recycling pickup services within a 100-mile radius of New York City. Their competitive cost structure combined with Per Scholas' policy to accept all units regardless of condition provides New York with a one-vendor turnkey disposal channel.
Donate A Phone - Created by CTIA Wireless Foundation, the Donate A Phone family of programs was designed to benefit charities by tapping into the potential value of the 30 million used wireless phones lying idle across America.
GreenDisk - Diskette, CD, Media Recycling
Green Disk will recycle diskettes, CD Roms, and videotapes. You will receive a certificate of destruction that guarantees that your media has been destroyed in an environmentally sound and secure manner, and that the intellectual property contained on the disks, CDs or tapes has been destroyed. The cost is 10 cents per pound, plus shipping costs to Oregon. 100% of these proceeds go to non profit institutions that help disabled adults, veterans, and others who need help. Use their convenient shipping form to send your media from anywhere is the United States.
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