In the article Why do we need ITAD? Our Future Depends on it, we uncovered how a properly managed IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) program can help save the planet from a steadily growing amount of e-waste. This article will focus on an honorable way corporations can counteract this e-waste problem by extending the life of their PCs and laptops through a computer donation program.
Each year millions of laptops go into landfills.
E-waste is a mounting global problem that is growing in severity every year. This growth trend is expected to continue, with projections showing that by 2030, annual e-waste generation worldwide is likely to increase by approximately 30 percent. With this level of unrestrained growth, business as usual (i.e. a linear economy) is truly unsustainable!
The Case for Donating: Extend the Life of IT Equipment and Give Back to Your Community
Computer donation programs are a great way for corporations to extend the life of their IT assets by giving their older PCs and laptops to charities for those in need, and at the same time, do something productive for the global community. Apto works with our client partners implementing the Responsible Donation Program to not only facilitate the donation of computers but also make sure the equipment is properly recycled at the end of its life.
As illustrated in the reuse sequence graphic below, this sequence provides recommended ways to reuse, with recycling being the final option. In step 1: Extend Refresh Timelines, we look first to extend company-wide refresh timelines by doing maintenance on machines at least once a year to keep devices in use longer than the 3-5 year standard. Next, step 2: Internal Redeployment, works to redeploy tested, working devices to other departments that might be in need. In step 3: Resell as Working Unit and step 4: Resell Parts, working equipment is resold or if a device is outdated, it is parted out to sell the useful parts and recycle the ‘material’ that makes up the chassis.
Step 5: Donation, a fundamental step in the reuse sequence that further extends the life of an IT asset before ever even thinking about step 6: Recycling. Recycling is the last resort for IT equipment, as all efforts are put into extending the lifespan of a device through reuse so we can collectively ensure the highest environmental benefit.
Electronic products are made from valuable resources including metals, plastics, and glass —all materials that require energy to mine and manufacture. Reusing electronics with donations is one way to conserve our natural resources and mitigate air and water pollution, as well as reduce the Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) that are caused by manufacturing virgin materials. Extending the lifespan of an electronic device through reuse returns more on the initial environmental cost. Additionally, every computer dumped carelessly into a landfill is a missed opportunity to provide technology and tools to individuals and organizations who lack access to electronics we often take for granted.
Apto has been working with Reneal International Education Outreach Inc. to bring computers and technology to high school students in Tanzania. Our relationship with Neal and Rene Bierbaum, a husband-and-wife team, started back in January of 2021 and since the first shipment of repurposed computer equipment arrived in Africa in early May, 16 secondary schools have received computer labs each equipped with 20 laptops!
The Bierbaum’s philanthropic journey started in 2006 as US Peace Corps Volunteers where they became aware of the extreme need for educational resources and support in developing countries. They witnessed first-hand how education and the power of technology can change lives and with this realization, Reneal International Education Outreach was founded in 2012 —and they’ve been changing the lives of thousands of people each year ever since!
The organization’s latest venture into Tanzania is delivering new technology to schools where each installation is greeted by parents and community members then followed with an orientation including specialized training for the dedicated computer teachers.
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The training equips each school with the skills to use and maintain the computer lab and focuses on sharing the educational content and programs stored on Reneal's own server system (packed with videos, books, tutorials, and other off-line content for teaching in many subject areas). One especially valued resource is the repository of past Tanzania National Exams that students can use for review.
With our donations alone, Reneal has been able to reach over 5,500 high school students giving these students their first hands-on access to computers. Our team has been more than proud to support Reneal's mission to ignite the love of learning in students and teachers and open doors for new opportunities for those in developing countries.
Follow Reneal International Education Outreach Inc. on Facebook for project updates and get in touch to learn more about Apto’s Responsible Donation Program.