Media Kit/Fact Sheet

Boilerplate

Computers help us in many ways, but two problems remain: obsolete computers create thousands of tons of waste each year, and yet many, many people still lack the resources to own a computer so they may take advantage of all this new technology has to offer.

Free Geek points these two problems at each other to solve them both. We accept unwanted technology, test and rebuild it, and give it to those in need in exchange for some of their time and energy. This way, a volunteer who works 24 hours to earn a computer from us is also helping to solve the global problem of e-waste overflow.

Our volunteers do much more than work 24 hours to earn a free computer. They form the backbone of our organization. They build the computers, tear down the parts to be recycled, teach others, and participate in upper-level decision-making. They make it so we can cheaply and efficiently work to solve the problem of e-waste and the digital divide while creating a welcoming, fun community.

While volunteers help make it work, many individuals and organizations benefit. Since Free Geek's beginnings in 2000, we have put over 7,000 computers back into reuse through our Adoption Program, Hardware Grants Program, and our Thrift Store.

Mission statement

FREE GEEK is a 501(c)(3) not for profit community organization that recycles used technology to provide computers, education, internet access and job skills training to those in need in exchange for community service.

How To Volunteer and/or Donate Equipment

To volunteer: come by for a half-hour tour of our facility and culture, offered every day Tuesday through Saturday at 11am and 4pm. New volunteers are signed up for their first shifts after the tour. See http://freegeek.org/volunteer.php for more information.
To donate: all computers, in any condition, accepted. Many other electronics also accepted. There is a $10 fee for each CRT monitor donated, working or not, and suggested donations for other equipment. Free Geek cannot accept TVs, copiers, smoke detectors, batteries, appliances, or styrofoam. For more info, visit http://freegeek.org/computers.php.

Stats and Results

Recycling Statistics

Tons of recycled e-waste by type and year.

Year	Mixed	Monitors	Steel	Copper- Bearing	Plastic	Gold- Bearing	Other Non- Ferrous	Total Tonnage
2000	2.22	0	0	0	0	0	0	2.22
2001	59.92	11.13	0	0	0	2.74	0	73.79
2002	20.68	32.78	24.45	6.86	2.14	2.78	0	89.69
2003	40.31	22.50	40.33	19.44	8.92	6.66	0.68	138.84
2004	41.70	38.02	74.65	46.14	11.70	11.56	2.20	225.97
2005	46.20	126.90	140.30	71.70	16.60	13.80	2.20	417.70