Recently, I had to buy a new lap-top computer. Mine was 8 years old and a hand-me down from my husband. Needless to say, I wasted lots of time waiting for it to work. Our “home office” also had an old desk top computer, a laser printer, a color printer, and a fax machine. While not the latest technology, everything still worked. Once my new lap-top appeared on the scene, none of the other office machines played nicely with it. We were forced to purchase a new printer/scanner/fax machine. We wanted to recycle our computer and the other machines so that they would not simply end up in a landfill.
Computer Recycling
Free Geek is a non-profit, community organization, in Portland, Oregon. They recycle and re-use donated electronics that otherwise would end up in the trash. They provide computers, education, and job training in exchange for volunteering. Our still working electronics (shown below) were about to get re-purposed.
The employees and volunteers were helpful and nice. You can even schedule a tour of their facility.
Their facility is extremely organized. We even got a donation receipt for our taxes.
Free Geek has an electronics thrift store that is open to the public. Next time I need a new cable or anything technology related, I’ll be checking there first.
I love recycling, not tossing things out, not buying new, all while having style. Yes, Free Geek has style. Their space is filled wonderful examples of art made from recycled computer and electronic parts. The art was an added bonus to the trip. If you live in Portland, check them out.
Free Geek | 1731 SE 10th Avenue | Portland, OR | 97214 | 503.232.9350 | www.freegeek.org
Does your city have an organization like this? What do you do with your outdated electronics? Do you get annoyed when technology requires you to upgrade?
Go Gingham related links:
How to keep a house project sustainable – for the wallet and environment
Frugal living is the key to saving
How we keep food waste to a minimum
Confessions of a leftover food lover – that would be me!
Once-a-month garbage collection
Go Gingham 
I LOVE Free Geek. Many times I have given my old computer equipment to them. They are quick and courteous, and yes they help out others by providing equipment and training.
Going to Free Geek is much better than throwing computer equipment away because even old computer equipment contains valuable parts and materials that are wasteful and harmful to discard in landfills.
Free Geek is a Win, Win, Win!
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Free Geek really is a fabulous local resource and treasure. Not only can you recycle old computer components there, but also sign up (kids, too!) to help the whole process. We’ve done some volunteer time there taking apart and evaluating the usefulness of the donated items. You can also learn how to build your own computer. Middle school age kids and up may participate in this program. Love it!
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