Afternoon Tech Talk - Thursday: How Can I Reappropriate or Recycle My Older Electronics?

Much of our time has been spent discussing obtaining new technology; computers, tablets, smart phones and things of that nature. While these articles are great and necessary, what are we to do with our old or unwanted technology? Today's article will be geared towards just that; reappropriating your good hardware or properly recycling your technotrash. :)

There is a fantastic local company that can make use of your discarded technology. They mainly take computers, monitors and printers that are in good, somewhat working condition. Your machines will be used, or at the very least, harvested for usable parts, your personal data will be completely destroyed and you will receive a donation certificate.   

Community Computer Connections Program, or CCCP provides, free of charge, refurbished computers to financially challenged families on Long Island. These computers are an essential tool to enhance job skills, promote academic success and, for the homebound, provide a means of communication with the outside world.
Visit their website here: http://www.rsvpsuffolk.org/cccp/index.html

Computers For Kids: Comp4Kids, an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) charity, collects and refurbishes  used computer equipment. They then distribute these computers - FOR FREE - to low income families across Long Island, and the entire tri-state area.  Comp4Kids improves the lives of children and young adults by providing these families with access to computers and the training necessary to implement this technology into their daily lives.
Visit their website here: http://www.comp4kids.org/ 

Freecycle Network: The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 5,085 groups with 9,339,729 members around the world. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by local volunteers. Membership is free.
Visit their website here: http://www.freecycle.org/ 

Staples Recycling Program: Staples Stores offer responsible recycling of your older computer hardware and even toner cartridges. You'll receive $2 in Staple's rewards for each toner you turn in (max of 10 per month). It's as easy as bringing your components and toner down to your local Staples Store and handing it in.
Visit their website here: http://bit.ly/ILNcVA

Dell Recconnect: Reconnect is a residential computer recycling program that offers you an easy, convenient and responsible way to recycle your used computer equipment. You can drop off any brand of used equipment at participating Goodwill donation centers in your area. It's free, and you'll get a receipt for tax purposes.
Check here for local drop off locations: http://dellreconnect.com/ 

With so many responsible ways of recycling and reusing our older computer equipment, nothing needs to see a landfill! Happy Recycling!

--
Have a technical question? Maybe we can help! Email: techtalk@emmaclark.org

Want to see what the Emma S. Clark Memorial Library has to offer? Call us at: 631-941-4080, email us at: reference@emmaclark.org or stop in at: 120 Main Street, Setauket, NY 11733. Have a smart device? Download our mobile app at:http://emmamobile.emmaclark.org or look for it in your app store or marketplace.

--
Bob Johnson is the Manager of Information and Technology Services at the Emma S. Clark Memorial Library.