Recycle
updated Shawn 22:59, 23 May 2008 (PDT)
How We Recycle
Any computer equipment, working or not, can be donated to Free Geek; we will repair and reuse what computers/equipment we can. Non-functioning computers and scrap will be recycled responsibly.
What Happens to Your Computer When it is Recycled?
Computers that are deemed obsolete or broken are demanufactured and separatedinto their basic components by volunteers. Free Geek then finds a local industrial recycler to process the materials. We work with companies that we are confident are handling the materials in an environmentally responsible manner. Through dismantling of computers we are able to sell the commodities and have a Recycling income to support Free Geek's mission.
- Obsolete monitors and terminals are processed by Total Reclaim in Seattle, Washington. (Total Reclaim is a signer of the BAN Pledge. http://ban.org/pledge/electronics_recycler_pledge.pdf)
- Aluminum, motors, wires and cables, printers, speakers and other copper bearing material is sold to Metro Metals in Portland, Oregon.
- Circuit boards and processors are sold for precious metal recovery to Hallmark Refining Corporation in Washington.
- Plastic is sent to Total Reclaim in Seattle, Washington.
- Steel is sold to Schnitzer Steel, in Portland, Oregon.
Free Geek heartily supports the Basel Action Network http://ban.org and their efforts to reduce the irresponsible disposal of e-waste. All signatories http://ban.org/pledge/Locations.html of the BAN Pledge have agreed, among other requirements, to: prevent hazardous e-waste from going to municipal incinerators or landfills, prevent the export of hazardous e-waste to developing countries, and use free-market rather than prison labor to dismantle or recycle e-waste.