The Nuts and Bolts of Computer Recycling Events

Assess Needs WHY hold a computer collection event? –Raise awareness of the e-waste issue –To publicize your broader recycling programs –Community requested it/provide a service –Organizational mandate/necessity –Comply with a new directive, regulation or law –Keep computers out of landfills –Increase local reuse/donations

Determine Goals WHAT will we accomplish? –We will collect X number of tons –We will keep X pounds out of landfills –We will serve the following communities… –We will reach X people with our message –We will increase recycling rates by X% –We will reuse X number of systems –We will be a part of the e-waste solution

Select site and date Location, location, location… –At least 4000 sq.ft. of flat, paved surface –Easily accessible entrances/exits –Central to community –Landmark “everybody knows” Timing is everything –Saturday, 6 hours –Seasonal considerations –Conflicting event? –Enhancing event?

Maximize Reuse Reselling –Legitimate secondary markets –Auctions Donation –Schools –Churches –Nonprofits –Other community groups

Controlling Costs Collection Costs –Staff time –Site costs –Publicity –Supplies Processing Costs –Hauling –Recycling Ask for VOLUNTEER help, ask for FREE stuff

Selecting a Recycler What do they charge? (market driven) What do they do with the stuff? (environmentally preferable) Nonprofit refurbish/reuse companies Private refurbishers/retailers Disassembly/demanufacturing companies Shredding companies Consolidators/exporters

Site Logistics Process –Trucks –Forklifts (drivers) –Pallets/pallet jacks –Gaylord boxes –Shrink wrap –Signage –Permits –Security People –Shelter (tents) –Food (tables/chairs –Water (coolers/ice) –Safety vests/gloves –Restroom –Sunscreen –Nametags –Paperwork stuff

Identifying Partners/ Sharing Responsibilities Build the best team Be clear on goals and roles Places to start –City/county government –Regional EPA office –Local large business/employer –State/local recycling organizations –Environmental advocacy groups –Media partners –Universities/students groups –Civic organizations

Estimating Participation GOOD LUCK. No single formula, but ask these Q’s: –When was a similar event last held in your area? –What percentage of households own computers? –What is the general environmental awareness in your community? –What is the population of your community? –What is the socio-economic/education level? –What is the transportation infrastructure? –What is the recycling infrastructure like? –How much promotion will you do? –Who are your partners?

Volunteers Recruiting –Dedicated recruiter –Partner groups –Donation recipient groups –Environmental groups –Students –Computer hobby clubs –Scouting/youth service –Large business Training –Volunteer coordinator –Volunteer guide –Pre-shift training –Management

Promotion Advertising is expensive Drive participation with public relations –Traditional media TV Radio Print –Grassroots outreach Websites Fliers –VIP endorsements Supportive quotes Event appearances

Results and Measurement Based on original NEEDS and GOALS Tonnage collected Participating vehicles Media impressions Partner groups s sent out Endorsements Units donated Volunteers engaged $ you saved community Trees saved Water conserved Kilowatts saved Air pollution prevented Landfill not utilized Communities served …anything that helps make the case for another event.

The Nuts and Bolts of Computer Recycling Events