In this digital era, where technological waste is a serious concern, we should put all our used tech to good use to save our environment. With programs and organizations such as PCs for People, you can now donate your old desktop computers and laptops for reuse and recycling.
Old donated computers that can be refurbished go a long way in helping low-income families stay connected online through access to digital information.
Additionally, donating your retired tech ensures that it doesn’t end up in landfills, which is harmful to the environment. Here are six reasons why you should donate your computers to community-centered nonprofit organizations:
1. Tech Donations Can Be Reused
Laptops, computers, and other tech donations in working condition can be used a little longer. These used computers are wiped clean of sensitive data to ensure your privacy is not compromised.
The tech is then refurbished for reuse by families and individuals with low income, nonprofit organizations, and other community helpers.
At PCs For People, we go the extra mile to offer digital learning to the least privileged. Tech donations power our efforts to bridge the digital divide through free digital learning programs.
2. Computer Recycling Plants Create Jobs
Computer donations beyond repair are sorted into batches for destruction and extraction of spare parts. The process of recycling old tech has created jobs throughout the country. These jobs include sorting, recycling, and repair positions.
At PCs For People, we employ people with disadvantaged backgrounds and physical and intellectual disabilities in partnership with community-centered nonprofits. By donating your old tech to us, you become part of a job creation community that benefits society.
3. E-Waste Is Reduced in Landfills
Electronic waste is an ongoing headache for environmental organizations worldwide, not to mention a threat to our planet overall. Toxic waste from landfills includes lead, zinc, nickel, flame retardants, barium, and chromium.
These toxic materials seep into the ground and affect water reserves and all living things. In addition, lead in water affects our kidneys and nervous system.
We can salvage old technology before it reaches landfills for further use or responsible disposal through donations. Donate computers to organizations that ensure zero landfill in electronics recycling.
4. Computer Equipment Is Recycled for Spare Parts
Approximately 98% of materials found in computer equipment can be reused to produce other tech products. Some of the recyclable components of your tech include:
- CMOS battery
- Cables
- Power cord
- Aluminum or plastic casings
- CD or DVD ROM
- Circuit boards
- Printer cartridges
Without proper disposal, these products end up in landfills, polluting the environment with toxic waste.
5. Donated Tech Helps Low-Income Families Access Digital Tools
Education and inclusion have increasingly moved online. With digital inclusion, students and job seekers can access new job opportunities, news, and learning materials online. However, the lack of digital tools and low digital skill levels have contributed to a gap in opportunity that leaves others disadvantaged.
By donating old tech to nonprofit organizations that offer these gadgets to eligible low-income families, you contribute toward creating an equitable world where everyone has access to digital resources.
6. Donating to Nonprofits Is a Tax Deductible Expense For Your Business
When you donate computers, it’s a win-win for both you and the recipient. Your organization gives back to the community, and you can benefit from tax deductions.
Donating to PCs For People qualifies your business for tax exemption under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Where To Donate Your Old Tech Equipment For Free
Now that you are ready to donate your used computers, it is time to decide which partners to give to. Your recycler of choice should ideally echo your organization’s intentions and purpose for computer donations to ensure your efforts are worthwhile.
If your business is donating computers, it may also need to buy new equipment. But, of course, you may also be busy running internal business operations.
To save you time and resources, working with a partner who understands your priorities will make the donation process as seamless as possible.
At PCs For People, we prioritize your needs by handling the donation process. Once you schedule your free donation pickup with our team, we handle everything else so you can focus on what’s important to you.
Donate Your Old Tech To PCs For People
We are a community-centered organization partnering with various other organizations to promote digital access through free computer learning programs, low-cost repair and computer equipment, and outreach programs to provide eligible families with affordable internet services.
Here’s how your company will benefit from working with us:
1. Free Tech Donation Pickup
We understand that IT managers have numerous responsibilities within the organization. As such, we offer no-cost transport from your site to our offices to make it easier for you to donate your tech equipment without taking too much time off your daily duties.
You can schedule one-off pickups for your donations or arrange frequent pickups with our team. We also offer free e-waste removal services to help you securely dispose of your old tech.
2. Complimentary Certified Data Sanitization
At PCs For People, we value your data privacy. In line with this, we offer complimentary data sanitization for all your donated items.
You can donate your computers and other devices without worrying about compromising any data on your hard drives. We follow strict regulations on data sanitization, including DoD, HIPAA, and NIST 800-88.
3. Zero Landfill E-Waste Disposal
Our primary focus is to recycle old unusable electronics responsibly and securely. Any donated items we cannot refurbish for reuse are disassembled for extraction of spare parts. Your data is securely wiped before the computers are destroyed.
We ensure zero landfill e-waste disposal through regulated and secure destruction of all tech equipment that is no longer useful.
Tech Equipment You Can Donate To Us
We accept a wide range of tech equipment, including;
- Computers and tablets (including laptops, desktops, PCs, and Macs)
- Monitors
- Mice and keyboards
- Cables and cords
- Printers and fax machines
- Audio equipment such as speakers, headphones, and mics
- Other tech equipment, including digital cameras, hard drives, memory cards, and laptop batteries
Please contact us to learn more about how we secure your data and repurpose your computer donations for a greener and digitally inclusive future.
