by Elizabeth Pang
Published in June 2015
Computer Recycling (CR) is a Community Tool project providing access to technology. This project started more than fifteen years ago to facilitate the reuse of older computers rather than seeing them end up in a landfill site. The aim is to provide affordable computer services. Included in its offerings are refurbished desktop computers, used monitors, printers, speakers, computer books, RAM, DVD drives, and cables, etc. Come in to browse and find what you are looking for. Repair services are also offered on desktop computers.
CR offers refurbished desktop computers that run either Windows 7 or Xubuntu Linux. Desktop computers with Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office are available at low cost to non-profit organizations and to individuals or families who meet Microsoft’s designated income requirements. The computers that run Xubuntu are available at an even lower cost to anyone regardless of income level. They come with a wide variety of free open-source software (FOSS) including Libre Office, an alternative to Windows Office. The computers come with a warranty and customer support by the multitude of trained volunteers at CR.
CR is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 5:00. It is located in the basement of The Working Centre at 66 Queen Street South in Kitchener. The easiest entrance is the side door on Charles St. W. You may come to donate electronic items, purchase electronic equipment, get a desktop computer repaired, or simply join others to discuss computers.
The Working Centre’s CR project is an Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES) Refurbisher. This OES designation enables CR to refurbish and resell donated computers and peripherals in addition to recycling them. As part of their OES agreement, CR is required to certify that all recycling is done in an environmentally responsible manner.
The affordable computers, peripherals, parts, and services provided by CR impact the community in various ways. For example, they help make integration easier for new Canadians, especially for communicating with friends and family in their former country. Charles, the host of CR, shares a story about a New Canadian family who bought a low-priced webcam to help the family feel more secure after the family’s traumatic experiences in their former country. Access to technological tools is almost a necessity in personal and work life. For many low income families, CR’s refurbish computers are the only way to afford a computer for their children at home.
The computers provided by CR can also contribute to education and employment goals. CR loans computers at no cost to students who are enrolled in the Experience Matters program learning Microsoft Office skills. This program trains people for positions that require computer skills.
CR is volunteer-based. A team of knowledgeable volunteers dismantle donated computers and re-use the components to refurbish computers, with surplus parts available for repairs or customer purchase at very reasonable prices. The unusable parts are environmentally recycled, which generates income to help support the services of CR.
Volunteers of various ages and backgrounds say that their time in CR is meaningful, enjoyable, and rewarding. Volunteers get the opportunity to serve and interact with community members while learning and sharing valuable hands-on skills in refurbishing, repairing, and testing computer equipment.
One of the many volunteers at CR is Brandon, a young man who has volunteered more than five years at CR. He says that “People here are really friendly and welcoming” and he gets to practice working with computers. Brandon’s other passions include creating artwork. He fosters his artistic talent by drawing decorative murals on the whiteboard that bring a lively atmosphere to CR. Volunteering also enables him to further develop communication skills by talking with people who call in for technical support.
