The Plan

Executive Summary

The technology revolution benefits many, but it also creates two serious problems. First, computers manufactured today have a very short life cycle. Many computers are deemed obsolete within two years and discarded. For instance, each year, the Greater Vancouver Regional District buries 20,000 tons of computer and electronic waste(e-waste). Traditional methods for the disposal of computer equipment release dangerous toxins such as lead, chromium and mercury into the environment. However, it is possible to safely recover over 99% of the materials in computer equipment, lessening the impact of this massive turnover on the environment.

A second problem stems from the rapid advance of computer technology: many people lack basic computer skills. As technology becomes ever more pervasive, those without computers find it increasingly difficult to access opportunities from employment to communication.

The concept behind Free Geek is to use these two problems to solve each other. With a little knowledge of computer mechanics, a significant portion of the electronic waste bound for landfills can be refurbished into working starter equipment for those who could not otherwise afford to buy these items. Individuals with little or no disposable income can be trained to help process the diverted computers for reuse or recycling, receiving one of the refurbished computers in exchange for their efforts. The result is: computer equipment is being reused rather than trashed and underemployed people gain both valuable job skills and access to the opportunities afforded by the technology. It is a win-win situation for everyone involved, as summed up in the Free Geek mission statement:

Free Geek recycles used technology to provide computers, education, job-skills training and access to the Internet to those in need, in exchange for community service.

Products and Services

Computer Recycling

Computer donations are Free Geek's exclusive source for computer hardware, both for the equipment we provide to the community and for building our own infrastructure. By accepting all computer equipment, in any condition, we aim to present Free Geek as a convenient recycler for individuals, organisations, and small businesses. To date, we have already received twenty private donations, and four corporate donations.

Besides donations, our recycling program will create two revenue streams. So far, we have observed that two-thirds of our customers need to dispose of monitors; Free Geek charges a $10 disposal fee for each donated monitor. This fee covers costs associated with the responsible environmental disposal of unusable monitors. Second, as part of the recycling process, non-repairable and obsolete equipment will be broken down into base materials, such as steel, aluminum, and copper. These commodities will be sold to our recycling partners. We aim to recycle as locally as possible, in conjunction with organisations maintaining 'best practices.'

Computer Adoption

Free Geek's Adoption program allows individuals to exchange work in our recycling operation for a starter computer system of their own. During their time at Free Geek, volunteers will be exposed to computers on several different levels. Volunteers work in three basic areas, receiving, recycling and testing. In receiving, they learn to identify hardware and become familiar with the use of the mouse and keyboard by testing them. In recycling, volunteers learn how computer components fit together. Testing teaches volunteers how to insert and remove components from computers and how to run diagnostic software. After completing 24 hours of work, volunteers receive their computer and participate in an introductory class on computer use.

Computer Building

This program is Free Geek's most technically demanding. As the name suggests, the Build program creates all the computers needed for our other programs. Volunteers are taught how to build computers working exclusively with used parts. The tested hardware is assembled into standardized desktop computers that are then loaded with Free/Open Source operating systems and applications software. Each system passes a quality control test before it is released to an adopter. In exchange for the more detailed training necessary to begin this work, volunteers in the Build program agree to complete six computer systems. After completing six systems, volunteers are invited to keep the sixth computer for themselves. The remaining five computers are distributed into the community through our Adoption and Hardware Grants programs.

Computer Education

The education program's motto is: "If we give someone their first computer, we need to teach them how to use it." Introductory classes on computer use form the core of a curriculum that will be expanded to include computer building, Linux command line basics and advanced computer programming languages such as Perl and Python. Our classes are taught by experienced volunteers, many of whom have worked together to get Free Geek off the ground. The teachers will work together to organise classes and curriculum to support each of Free Geek's program areas. Education is ongoing for volunteers, from the moment they enter Free Geek's doors to long after they receive their computer systems and have them set up in their homes. We believe that everyone has something to learn and everyone has something to teach. Additionally, volunteering time, taking classes, and gaining hands-on experience with computers are all excellent resume building skills for those looking to increase their chances for employment.

Computer Hardware Grants

While our first priority is building and supporting the systems that we give to our volunteers through the Adoption program, extra systems and other hardware will be granted to other non-profits and social change organizations, not individuals. A non-profit may choose to sponsor an individual who is unable to participate in the Adoption program. We will be granting hardware to non-profit and social change organizations local to Vancouver, British Columbia.

Computer Thrift Store

We anticipate that, in time, Free Geek will receive more equipment than can be refurbished efficiently. In addition, equipment donated will not necessarily arrive in equal amounts (i.e. approximately 10 good keyboards are donated for every usable computer). This surplus equipment and other donations that have some retail value, but do not meet program requirements, will be sold through the Free Geek Computer Thrift Store. Monitors, printers, keyboards, cables, and speakers will be among the many items available in the store. By selling surplus equipment, Free Geek further works towards putting working, usable equipment back into circulation. The Free Geek store will also sell various products such as t-shirts, mugs, stickers, and items made from recycled computer parts. The thrift store is a vital part of the Free Geek financial strategy for self-sufficiency.