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Project creators launch their ideas and create goals that determine the success of the project. Participants join in, accomplish goals, and earn rewards.
Project creators launch their ideas and create goals that determine the success of the project. Participants join in, accomplish goals, and earn rewards.
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It can be big or small, serious or playful. Get inspired, tap the drum, start a rhythm, and the results will come.
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Recycle a dead computer
Figure out how to recycle a dead laptop so that the parts are not just dumped in a landfill or sent to another country. The EPA has some serious stats on this issue:
- Only 15% to 20% percent of retired PCs, TVs, cell phones and other electronic devices are being recycled in the United States.
- Every computer dumped into a landfill represents a missed opportunity to provide Information-Age tools to individuals and organizations across the digital divide.
- Well-meaning companies that donate out-of-date computer systems directly to schools and nonprofits -- rather than through a recycler or a refurbisher -- can end up passing on more of a burden than a blessing.
1
Determine if your old computer can be reused.
If you have a computer that is less then five years old, chances are that it can be put to good use by someone else. Rather than donate equipment directly to a charity or school, however, it is usually best for all involved if you can send it to a refurbisher, especially if you need to wipe your hard drive or are uncertain about the computer's condition.
2
Find a certified electronics recycler. Many say they will handle e-waste appropriately, but it still ends up in a landfill.
3
Recycle old and broken hardware.
Any equipment that is not working or is more than five years old should be tagged for recycling, i.e. responsible destruction.
4
Remember the accessories.
If you can, include the keyboard, mouse, printer, modem, packaged software, or any other accessories you use with the computer. Schools and nonprofits can almost always put them to good use, and most organizations only accept complete systems.
5
Provide the original software media and documentation.
To ensure that the software transfer is legal, pass along the original disks, media, Certificate of Authenticity sticker (usually on the computer), user manual, and other documentation that came with the equipment.
6
Keep a list of what you donated for your records.
Remember that tax season will always return -- and you are likely eligible for a deduction if you donate to a nonprofit refurbisher. Most school or nonprofit refurbishers can provide a tax receipt upon request.
7
Share this page with your friends and let us know how it all went!
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70% complete
deadline: none
Project buzz
September 6, 2011
Diane B.
says, Apple made it easy (www.poweron.com).The folks at Power On sent us a pre-paid Fed-Ex box to pack the old computer. All we had to do was deliver it to the Fed Ex office and await the assessment for a rebate in the form of an Apple gift card. Done!
says, Apple made it easy (www.poweron.com).The folks at Power On sent us a pre-paid Fed-Ex box to pack the old computer. All we had to do was deliver it to the Fed Ex office and await the assessment for a rebate in the form of an Apple gift card. Done!
August 14, 2011
Stephanie
says, This is exactly what I needed! We've got so much old equipment lying around it's scary. I will be sure to let you know how it goes!
says, This is exactly what I needed! We've got so much old equipment lying around it's scary. I will be sure to let you know how it goes!
April 6, 2011
Catriona B.
says, Just recycled another one. Goodwill is now taking electronic "waste" in the Portland area as well. Not sure what they do with it, though! My neighborhood, Sullivan's Gulch in NE Portland, OR, is also taking electronic waste this weekend (April 9, 2011) to Free Geek. They'll be in the parking lot by the church at roughly 17th & NE Weidler.
says, Just recycled another one. Goodwill is now taking electronic "waste" in the Portland area as well. Not sure what they do with it, though! My neighborhood, Sullivan's Gulch in NE Portland, OR, is also taking electronic waste this weekend (April 9, 2011) to Free Geek. They'll be in the parking lot by the church at roughly 17th & NE Weidler.
October 15, 2010
ijones
says, I have a dead computer that I keep meaning to recycle, but I never get around to it. Maybe earthbongo can help.
October 6, 2010
Catriona B.
says, I just recycled my dead laptop and then received a letter that there is a class action lawsuit on those laptops failing! Not that I would recommend hording broken old computers, but I thought the timing was pretty funny.
says, I just recycled my dead laptop and then received a letter that there is a class action lawsuit on those laptops failing! Not that I would recommend hording broken old computers, but I thought the timing was pretty funny.
I finally managed to recycle that computer after a few years! I donated $10 to free geek while I was at it too.