Do It Yourself Computer Recycling

In a project to get computers and computer labs established in the developing world (so that they can access life saving information) there is a constant struggle to move the resources to them in a cost effective and efficient manner. The problem is primarily one of costs of shipping and the perceived value of the material being sent. I say "perceived" value deliberately because we here will look at an old computer a lot different than someone in a poorer country would.

So it is for that reason (to reduce material costs) that we offer this Do It Yourself recycling (DIY) course which enables the computer owners to pick up a Philips screwdriver (yes that is about all you would need) and dismantle their old PC to scavenge the usable parts. By dismantling the parts it becomes much less expensive to ship because of less weight. It also allows spreading the various parts among more locations where each receive only the part that is needed. Some parts (memory sticks for instance) can be shipped to ministries in need inside a regular envelope.

The tutorial teaches in a straightforward, easy to understand way how to test, catalog, and dismantle a PC. We begin by asking participants to download some free diagnostic programs. Then, by clicking a few buttons tests are run on the various components to assess their condition. After all, it doesn't help anyone to ship broken parts (except perhaps the shipping company). Major components such as memory, the motherboard, the processor type and operation are among the tests conducted. Don't worry if you don't know what a motherboard is. By the time you are done, you will, and it really is so easy that all you need is a Philips screwdriver.

After it is dismantled and catalogued you can place the heavy, metal case out for recycling. The purely plastic parts such as the front face may be recyclable also, depending on your local recycling programs. Then it comes down to matching the parts you have to those in need. To do this we ask that you just post to our forum and correspond with the seekers to arrange shipping. As you have probably already realized VirtualMissions is not able to help with the shipping costs. One note of caution is it is our strong recommendation that you ship only to organizations and not individuals.