This is a post about thinking global and acting local. A short description of the global problem of recycling computers is followed by local actions you can take to deal with the problem.

There are three reasons why computers should be reused: First, reducing the impact of used computers on the environment. Too many computers are recycled in developing countries in unsafe and unsustainable conditions.  Second, reusing computers will reduce mining of rare earth metals. Mining is often done in unsafe, and unethical exploitative conditions and the rare earth mineral trade fuels regional conflict. Third, reuse enables individuals to learn hands on skills with computers, an ability that is not provided in most classrooms.

1) Reducing the impact of used computers on the environment
The documentary Manufactured Landscapes (2006) vividly captures on film changes in landscapes due to industries such as computer recyling, including unsafe and unsustainable practices.  Director Jennifer Baichwal and Photographer Edward Burtynsky created a documentary spanning the world and the imagery captures many memorable shots, including piles of motherboards, network cables, CDs and other accessories. The documentary includes children playing in toxic waste sites created by recycling activities.

Fortunately in the province of Ontario the Ontario Electronic Stewardship is mandated to enable collection, recycling and reuse of used electronics.  But an unknown amount of electronics are still sent overseas due to the extremely low labor cost and lax environmental laws in processing electronics. Every computer we save from going to the landfill or exported to a developing country for recycling reduces the negative health impacts on people and reduces pollution.

2) Reduce mining of rare earth metals
Few Canadians are aware of the trade in Conflict Minerals, such as Tin, Tungsten, Tantalite used in the manufacture of electronics inlcuding computers and cell phones. There is work being done by the Enough Project in raising awareness of “blood minerals” to the same level of awareness we have about “blood diamonds”.  Reusing computers in a significant volume enables a reduction on the dependence on mining additional conflict minerals, and reduces the financing of local conflicts.  Jennifer Wells from the Toronto Star recently did a series of article on the human cost of mining rare earth minerals.
Mining the Congo: From the Earth to the moon
The Congo: exploring a heart of darkness
The Congo’s tin soldiers

3) Reuse enables people to learn hands on computer skills
Used computers have an important purpose in providing opportunities for hands on, tactile learning. Refurbishing and building computers provides the opportunity to learn new skills. Most people who drive a car don’t have the ability or skills to do a simple oil change.  Most people who have a computer don’t know how to diagnose and fix simple problems. Hands on experience taking apart and putting together computers gives people he ability to “look under the hood” and to learn basic diagnosis and repair skills to become self-sufficient users of technology. Building computers in particular creates a useful sense of achievement.  For those who build multiple computers, coming across different types of problems, the hands on experience provides useful work experience.  Some individuals who gain confidence by taking apart and putting together computer hardware can eventually translate the experience to working on Open Source Software.

Free Geek Toronto follows the reduce, recycle, and reuse philosophy that enables reduction of computers that are disposed using unsustainable practices, we test and reuse as many components as we can from used computers, and we recycle the non-working components through organizations certified by the Ontario Electronic Stewardship.

Free Geek Toronto is located at 51 Vine near Keele and Dundas, and we accept computer and peripheral donations 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Monday to Saturday.

In the interest of promoting reuse by as many people as possible, we are more than happy to point you to other computer reuse organizations that may be closer to you:

South East Toronto: Planet Geek

Scarborough: Reboot Canada

Brampton: Share IT

Know other computer REUSE organizations, we would be happy to post them here!