A second
life for old computers...
By Beth Rosenberg, Globe Correspondent, 07/29/99
You've bought a new computer. What will you do
with your old one? Tossing out an outmoded, but fully
functional machine isn't always the best idea, from either
a societal or environmental perspective. Luckily, numerous
nonprofit groups can help out. As the number of computers
in the world increases, so do opportunities to breathe new
life into your old machine - in schools, among community
groups, or even on distant continents.
Most Web search engines list an extensive number
of sites for local and national computer recycling
organizations.
The largest of these is the East-West
Educational Development Foundation, based in Boston. The
foundation was begun in 1990 with the goal of delivering
computers to journalists in the former Soviet Union. It
now delivers older and remanufactured computers (both PCs
and Macintosh), and modems, mice, monitors, peripherals,
and cables, to ''otherwise technology-less educational,
human services, and economic development agencies in the
US and around the globe.''
The foundation may be reached at (617) 261-6699,
or at ewf@eastwest.org.
You can also read some of their literature on the Web, at
www.eastwest.org.
The Notre Dame Computer Initiative, formerly
called Mindshare, was created four years ago to provide
computers to ''low-income families, people with
disabilities, and small not-for-profit organizations.'' It
has grown into a service and support organization,
offering clients ''a full range of hardware, software,
networking, and support services.'' The organization
accepts 486 PCs and higher. Director Charlie Thompson sees
the initiative as ''serving as a link between the people
who have [computers] and the people who need them.''
Contact the initiative at (617)
787-7870.
Your city or town public works department may
also be a good resource for computer recycling tips. The
Cambridge Department of Public Works, for instance, has a
compilation of local groups. Call them at (617) 349-4815
for details.
A few caveats are in order, however, as
you plan your big computer giveaway:
You may own computer equipment that even the
most generous nonprofit won't accept. Computer recycling
is not an opportunity to unload your Apple I and its
attendant 51/2-inch floppy disks. Unusable computers will
be consigned, literally, to the recycle bin, or ultimately
be trashed anyway.
A donation of licensed software can be
considered software piracy. Many computer recyclers will
not accept software for this reason. A nonprofit may take
a software package if the licenser has given express
permission, or if the package is designed for multiple
seats. But to be safe, assume that your offers of software
will be refused unless you are told specifically
otherwise.
If you'd rather donate your old computer
directly to your favorite charity than to an intermediary
organization, contact the charity first. Some groups may
have a system in place for redistributing old machines.
Others probably have no arrangement at all.
Your community, or the local chamber of
commerce, may already support a computer donation program.
It's worth a call to your city or town offices or the
chamber. If you're feeling inspired enough to start a
group of your own, you may find your municipal government
a willing partner.
As always, be a proactive consumer. Ask
questions before you donate: What specifically does the
organization accept? What is its policy on tax deductions?
Does the group pick up, or do you need to drop off the
equipment yourself?
Lastly, if you know someone who is really into
tinkering with computers, offer your old one and suggest
that he or she donate it once the reconditioning is done.
This story ran on page D4
of the Boston Globe on 07/29/99.
© Copyright
1999 Globe Newspaper Company.
