Although the National Cristina Foundation’s primary motivation has always been to advance training, improve independence and provide hope to people who might not otherwise have access to computers, we have also continually placed importance on the environmental benefits of our work.

Computer donations not only empower people, but they also keep working equipment out of local landfills. This is significant, as computers and monitors contain lead, mercury, cadmium, other metals, and a range of toxic plastics. The negative health impacts of lead are well documented, and just 1/70th of a teaspoon of mercury can make the fish in a 20 acre lake unfit to eat.

Governments are beginning to address the issue of electronic waste (or E-Waste). Eight states have passed laws regulating the disposal of e-waste, and more than two dozen states and the federal government have considered legislation in 2007. These laws vary in terms of who pays for proper disposal, and what types of electronic equipment is covered.

According to the Computer Take Back Campaign:

Studies estimate that 315 to 600 million desktop and laptop computers in the U.S. will soon be obsolete. Discarded computers and other consumer electronics…are the fastest growing portion of our waste stream -- growing almost 3 times faster than our overall municipal waste stream. One report estimates that a pile of these obsolete computers would reach a mile high and cover six acres. That's the same as a 22-story pile of e-waste covering the entire 472 square miles of the City of Los Angeles.

We are also launching a pilot project to provide companies with an environmentally sound means of total destruction of equipment that is not suitable for donation. Donors would not be charged a recycling fee for PC’s and other high value materials, and would be eligible for a tax deduction based on the recovery value of the processed scrap. (Learn more)

In an effort to further promote and advocate computer reuse, we are pleased to be a member of the Computer Reuse Coalition, coordinated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The goal of the Coalition is to promote the option of reuse for electronic equipment as part of the national e-waste agenda.

The EPA's participation in the Computer Reuse Coalition is part of their Plug-In to eCycling program, which aims to increase the safe recycling and reuse of used electronic products.

The Coalition has worked with the EPA to create a short guide to used equipment disposal called, Do the PC Thing (Download); which provides general information and resources on how best to donate technology to those that need it most.

A corresponding video developed by EPA’s Plug-In To eCycling program provides a platform for leaders in the technology field to speak to the promise that reuse offers to individuals and communities around the US. The video also outlines the proper steps for how to donate equipment for reuse. View the full length clip here.

For working computers, reuse is the best option. You can donate computers or other technology through our website by clicking here.  Companies with equipment requiring destruction can click here.