Computer recycling, electronic recycling or e-waste recycling is the disassembly and separation of components and raw materials of waste electronics. Although the procedures of re-use, donation and repair are not strictly recycling, these are other common sustainable ways to dispose of IT waste.
Free Geek is a technology related non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon, launched on April 22, 2000. It started as a public event at Pioneer Courthouse Square. In September 2000, it opened a permanent facility as a drop off site for electronic waste. In January 2001, local newspaper The Oregonian ran an article advertising their free computer program for volunteers, which became so successful that they had to start a waiting list. They currently have over 2,000 active volunteers per year.
Computers for African Schools is a charity based in the United Kingdom which aims to give children in developing African countries the opportunity to gain experience with and understanding of computers and IT. As of the end of 2011 CFAS had sent 30,000 computer systems to five main CFAS programme countries: Zambia (11,500), Zimbabwe (7,500), Malawi (5,500), Tanzania (900), and Zanzibar (800); and smaller quantities have also been donated to partner NGO's in Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Gambia, Egypt, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Niger, Ethiopia and Liberia. More than 1500 schools have computer labs set up through the scheme. Every state and mission secondary school in Zambia has been provided with at least 10 computers through the scheme.
Camara is a social enterprise that sends refurbished computers and provides digital literacy training to schools and other educational institutions in Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia, Lesotho, Tanzania and Ireland.
Waste Watch was a non-profit, sustainability organisation based in the UK, inspiring people to live more and waste less. It was a registered charity.
Aptivate is a NGO and not-for-profit organisation based in the United Kingdom. Aptivate combines best practices from the commercial software sector and the International Development sector to create ICT services that facilitate communication for unconnected communities, empowering ordinary people across the developing world to improve their lives.
InterConnection.org (IC) is an American 501(c)(3), non-profit organization headquartered in Seattle, Washington. InterConnection was established in 1999 by Charles Brennick. The organization's original focus was on developing and donating websites to non-profits in developing countries. The program soon expanded to include computer donations and technology training. In 2004 the InterConnection Computer Reuse and Learning Center opened in Seattle as a hub to serve both local and international communities.
Digital Pipeline is a United Kingdom registered charity founded in 2005 operating under the working title Computers 4 Africa to provide access to information and communications technology (ICT) in developing countries in Africa and other parts of the world.
RM Education is the principal division of RM plc, a British company that specialises in providing information technology products and services to educational organisations and establishments. Its key market is UK education including schools, colleges, universities, government education departments and educational agencies.
Empower Up, formerly known as CREAM, a 501(c)(3), was a computer recycling center in SW Washington. Started in mid-2002, Empower Up took old electronics in for donation, and recycled/distributed them.
WorkVentures is an Australian independent not-for-profit social enterprise, established in 1979 and, as of 2010, employing more than 170 people across seven locations in Sydney and Melbourne. WorkVentures also works with partner organisations to deliver training and programs around the country.
Mobile phones can be recycled at the end of their life.
Computer technology for developing areas is often through the donation of technology to developing areas. Many institutions, government, charitable, and for-profit organizations require technology development often involving hardware or software design, and the coordination of donors, distributors, and deployers. Technical development overlaps with the fields of technical training, maintenance and support.
Fantsuam Foundation is a Nigerian non-profit organisation working in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) that is working to develop a rugged computer suited for African conditions. Known as the Solo computer, this wooden-encased PC is being designed to cope with the "heat and dust" of Africa. The British Broadcasting Corporation featured this organisation's work on the Solo computer.
The Environment Centre in Swansea, Wales, is an independent charity organisation for environmental information, education and activity. Environment Centre may also refer to the building the charity is located in.
RREUSE is an international non-profit network (NGO), linking social enterprises active in the field of reuse, repair and recycling sector. It puts the three pillars of sustainability: environmental protection, social equity, and economic viability, at equal level.
World Computer Exchange (WCE) is a United States and Canada based charity organization whose mission is "to reduce the digital divide for youth in developing countries, to use our global network of partnerships to enhance communities in these countries, and to promote the reuse of electronic equipment and its ultimate disposal in an environmentally responsible manner." According to UNESCO, it is North America's largest non-profit supplier of tested used computers to schools and community organizations in developing countries.
Labdoo.org is a non-profit organization that provides, free of charge, refurbished laptops loaded with child-friendly educational software in local languages to schools, orphanages, and refugee projects in low-income countries around the world. The organization is dedicated to not incurring additional economic cost nor contributing to the generation of CO2 emissions. Through its global network of grassroots volunteers connected through more than 400 operational hubs, it has provided its services to more than 700,000 students
