RIP: Recycled in Peace. I battled the sweltering heat over lunch today and dropped my brother’s old laptop off at a temporary electronics recycling center downtown. The heat index at time of disposition was exactly 100 degrees according to The Weather Channel. The “center” is very temporary, as you can see in the photo below, and is only being operated today. But, there are other drop-off days scheduled around town.

Today’s effort is being operated by a local group called WITS, which stands for Web Innovation and Technology Services. Sounds like a Silicon Valley start-up, no? Well, it’s actually far more than that. WITS’ mission is:

We recycle/refurbish electronic/computers and surplus equipment from local/national businesses and residents by fixing or replacing what may be broken and putting it back into the community for educational use. 

This keeps the used equipment out of the landfills, and provides those in need with the technology to accomplish their educational/career goals.

We also offer training in many areas for students of all ages and capabilities for internships and resume experiences and the chance to teach their skills to other students with hands-on experiences.

Anything that WITS cannot reuse is recycled appropriately at our recycling facility. WITS has a 0% landfill policy which has been able to be followed since we began recycling.

Funny thing is that the brochure I was handed at the drop-off location has a few other “mission” statement-type passages on it. Three of them caught my eye:

1. “Building communities by bridging the digital divide.”
2. “Providing innovative no/low-cost high-level technology training and free computers to low-income and underserved populations, while recycling safely to save landfills.”
3. “By reusing redundant and obsolete technology, we are able to create training and re-use opportunities for underserved and low-income population and non-profits. By appropriately recycling and demanufacturing at our facility, we can create value for business, residents and the environment.”

Yes, the mission is a bit cumbersome, but the group’s tag line sums up their efforts quite nicely: “Building Communities through Reuse, Recycling and Education”. Can’t beat that.

We often forget that technology often has an impact on more than just our physical environment. Computers reduce paper usage but also use tremendous amounts of power. Socially, technology can help the disenfranchised catch up to rest of society but it can also increase the gap in ability, knowledge and opportunity at a breathtaking pace; consider how much technology is integrated into everything you do and how your ability to understand and use the technology evolved over years of access and practice. How can someone without that same exposure be expected to compete?

WITS is not going to solve this problem by itself, but the efforts being made by the organization are hopeful. Remember, you can either take your old computer and throw it in the trash, leaving plastic and a whole host of toxic chemicals to interact with Mother Nature. Or, you can recycle your old electronics at a place like WITS, knowing that your garbage will not only reduce your impact on the environment but also expose underserved populations to technology, give them work, and help create a more equal society. It’s your choice.