Reuse before you recycle: a better approach

Reuse before you recycle! A better approach to managing your unwanted computer and networking equipment

Technology is rapidly advancing. The life cycle of computers and electronics is getting shorter and shorter each year, and we are misled to believe that ‘recycling’ your working items is the best solution. Whatever happened to re using?

The Electronic Recycling Association (ERA.ca) believes that reusing used computers, laptops and other electronics is the most important step of the 3Rs. The ERA’s priority is to help needy charities through the donation of used computers and electronics, as well as to help protect our environment by recycling only unusable items.

This non-profit organization provides services across Canada with a mission to rescue usable technology and redistribute it back into the community. The ERA collects, refurbishes and reuses computers, laptops and all sorts of electronics. The items deemed “end of life” are handled for recycling through government recycling programs; they are the filter between usable electronics and a recycling depot.

The ERA works with schools, corporations, government departments and individuals across the country helping hundreds of individuals and organizations reduce their electronic waste and the negative impact it has upon our environment. Several convenient and secure services are provided by the ERA such as electronic pick-ups, data wiping, refurbishment and certification.

The ERA’s active website (www.era.ca) is filled with photos of happy people and charities that have benefitted from their programs. For instance, in February 2011 the ERA donated computers to the Women Into Healing alcohol and drug abuse treatment centre in Vancouver and in January of this year, the ERA donated computers to Vancouver’s Cerebral Palsy Association. The ERA makes an extra effort to be connected to the community by offering several programs and services to those in need.

The ERA’s creative “Volunteer to Earn” program, which started in 2006, enables individuals to volunteer their time in exchange for a free computer or laptop. The ERA proudly opens their doors to students and youth who require access to a computer with Internet access by setting up computer labs, Internetready, for the purpose of homework, research, and job searching.

The ERA’s battle to compete with the government-funded recycling programs is difficult. While there are hundreds of thousands of dollars being spent on advertising the recycling services across the province, there is no attempt to work out a system to save and reuse the functioning electronic items.

By donating your computers, laptops, servers and other networking equipment to the ERA, you are helping organizations that desperately need these items to become connected to technology. The ERA continues its ongoing quest looking for partnerships and donations of used electronics in order to fulfil the numerous donation requests received daily.

With depots in Vancouver as well as throughout B.C., the ERA provides a great way to recycle electronic equipment safely and securely. The ERA encourages all schools, businesses, and individuals to visit them online at www.era.ca and contact your nearest ERA office to book a pick-up of your computers and electronics.

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