What can you do with your old computer? How can you get a refurbished computer at low or no cost?
Technology is constantly changing, and it’s understandable that you may have a some large CRTs or maybe even a Commodore 64 in your closet or basement. What about those huge bulky televisions…are you ready to reclaim some living space?
When you do, please dispose of your e-waste responsibly. Watch for your community’s recycle day for free options. Most large cities also have recycling companies. In Seattle, my favorite is Interconnection, located just across the Fremont bridge. For FREE, individuals can drop off old computers, monitors, printers, cell phones, motherboards, televisions and much more. They are a non-profit organization and will provide you with a tax receipt. For business donations, Interconnection can come to you.
What is done with the donated computers?
Based on the condition and age, they will either refurbish or recycle the computer.
A refurbished computer will have all the data wiped off the hard drive and be rebuilt in order to donate to a charity. A recycled computer’s hard drive will be destroyed by shredding in the recycle process. All recycling is done within the state.
Do you need a new computer?
If you’re in Seattle, you’re in luck. Interconnection has a retail store with the best of the refurbished computers, and offer low-income and student discounts. They also have a volunteer program, where after working 30 hours you can receive a free refurbished desktop (laptop is also an option with more hours). Some of the volunteers just want to work long enough to earn a computer, and that’s totally okay. However, many of the other volunteers like myself, enjoy working with computers and want to learn more about the hardware.
There’s one more way you can receive a free computer!
If you are attending Emerald City Writers’ Conference next weekend, I will be donating the desktop computer earned through my volunteer hours at Interconnection, for the charity raffle baskets. It includes Windows 7, Microsoft Office, mouse, keyboard and monitor. Good luck!
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