How cool is this? A group called PC Rebuilders and Recyclers (PCRR) is recycling computers for use in schools in the USA and around the world. Local Chicagoans drop off their old machines and PCRR turns them into totally usable systems. (And don’t worry, would-be-donators – if they can’t erase your hard drive, they’ll destroy it.) PCRR owner, Willie Cade, says they take in 20,000 computers a year and turn out 5,000 usable machines to schools, not-for-profits, and at-risk children. Chicago public-school kids in need can buy a computer starting at $165; non-locals can apply for a computer as well. And they all come with a 3-year hardware warranty, plus an 800 help number. Love it!
Company bridging digital divide
February 5, 2010 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- A local program is keeping computers out of landfills and putting them into the hands of needy school children.
Safely disposing of computers and other electronic equipment can pose problems for most consumers. Now a local company is taking old computers and making them fit for students and others in need. It's an endeavor that both useful and green.
February 11, 2009 Willie Cade, owner of PCRR, participated as an expert witness for the Science and Technology Committee in Washington. The witnesses provided their comments on, and suggestions to The Electronic Waste Research and Development Act of 2009.
House Passes Electronic Waste Bill
Lawmakers pay tribute to Earth Day with legislation providing grant funds for practical solutions to reduce the growing mounds of old cell phones, televisions, computers and other electronic devices.
In an Earth Day nod, the U.S. House of Representatives April 22 approved legislation for grant programs to reduce the volume of discarded electronic products as well as for education and training in clean energy and high-performance building design.
The Electronic Device Recycling Research and Development Act (H.R. 1580) requires the Environmental Protection Agency to award multiyear grants for research to create innovative and practical approaches to reduce the volume and manage the environmental impacts of electronic waste.
"This is a step toward a better end for the millions of old cell phones, televisions, computers and other electronic devices Americans discard every year," Bart Gordon, D-Tenn., chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee, said in a statement. "Right now, we send most to landfills, where toxic materials, like lead and cadmium, may leech into soil and water, and where valuable materials, like gold and copper, are unusable. We store a lot in our closets or junk drawers, for lack of a better alternative, and we recycle a small percentage."
"On February 11, 2009, the Science and Technology Committee will receive testimony on draft legislation entitled “The Electronic Waste Research and Development Act of 2009.” Witnesses will provide their comments on, and suggestions to, the bill. They will also discuss ways in which research and development (R&D) can help address the challenge of managing the disposal of electronics products in the United States. Five witnesses, representing perspectives from academia, a non-profit, electronics producers, and electronics recyclers, will offer testimony."
Photo Credit: House Science and Technology Committee
(from L to R): Dr. Valerie Thomas,
Dr. Paul Anastas, Mr. Philip Bond,
Mr. Jeff Omelchuck, and Mr. Willie Cade
For information on the witnesses, use the links at right.
Lawmakers pay tribute to Earth Day with legislation providing grant funds for practical solutions to reduce the growing mounds of old cell phones, televisions, computers and other electronic devices.
