The new machine goes on the desk in your den and, for now, the old 486 computer with the ancient 12" monitor and huge processor goes in the den closet along with your archaic dot-matrix printer. A week later, you have to move the space-gobbling system to the basement. Soon it will be on its way to the garage. The inevitable question then comes to the forefront - what to do with your clunky, outdated computer system?

The Problem

You are not alone. In the last three years, 61 million computers became obsolete. Americans, both on a personal and business level, are facing the problem of dealing with a growing amount of electronic "trash.” Experts estimate that 75% of these obsolete computers are being stored in warehouses, businesses, and homes. Our fast-paced computer world is leaving a trail of antiquated equipment behind. It is projected that 315 million computers will be obsolete by 2004.

So the problem is where to dispose of all this electronic trash and, further, how to handle the disposal in both a cost-effective and environmentally sensitive way.

The Solution

The solution is to recycle. According to a National Safety Council study, in 1999 only about 11% of the 24 million obsolete desktop PCs were recycled or refurbished. If we can increase the amount of equipment that gets recycled, we can decrease the amount that adds to our growing landfill problem.

Recycling offers additional benefits besides freeing up space in your closet, basement, or garage. On both the national and local level, there are charitable agencies, schools, and other organizations that collect and redistribute used and excess computer equipment as contributions and donations. Often your donation is recognized as a tax deduction.

A Solution on the National Level

There are two prominent national organizations and several smaller groups eager for your "Second-Hand Rose" PC.

National Cristina Foundation

The National Christina Foundation has placed tens of thousands of computers and peripherals with hundreds of thousands of various disadvantaged recipients. This organization's goal is to "provide computer technology and solutions to give people with disabilities, students at risk, and the economically disadvantaged the opportunity, through training, to lead more independent and productive lives."

Active in all fifty US states, NCF maintains a database of thousands of pre-screened charitable organizations or public agencies. They match donated computers, monitors, and printers with agencies that give them away to disabled and disadvantaged people. Your old computer will be matched with an appropriate need in your area, and then you can deliver or ship your computer. NCF will attempt to place equipment that is up to ten years old. Computers and equipment older than ten years will generally be directed to recycling facilities.

One bit of homework is needed from you as a donor; know the specifications of your computer, modem, printer, etc. You can find the specs in the documentation that came with your equipment. Do your research before you make contact with any of these agencies. Like most groups receiving computer donations, NCF has hardware specifications; computers must be at least a 486 system with a hard drive. The list of needed items from the National Cristina Foundation include:

IBM PCs and compatible - 486 with hard drives and above
Apple Macintosh - all models
Hard drives
Monitors
Peripherals
CD-ROM Drives
Software/CD-ROMs - all kinds (legal transfer requires original diskette/CD, manuals and License)
Network software and network cards
Printers - dot matrix and laser Modems
Fax machines
Audio and visual equipment

Tax Impact

Individual donations:

NCF promises there is never any charge to the donor, but you may incur shipping charges. On the contrary, there is often a favorable tax impact. Through NCF or other organizations, the charitable deduction for individuals for contributions of technology equals the fair market value (retail used value in the current market place) of the donated property. Shipping costs are also tax deductible under applicable rules and regulations. You can include this contribution on your tax return if you itemize dedications. Check out prices for hundreds of used computers at www.usedcomputer.com.

If you are shipping your computer, check out the shipping fees in case the shipping charges are more than the tax savings. Information on ways to check out needy local organizations that would appreciate your donation is included later in this feature.

Corporate donations:

There are tax benefits to corporate donors as well. Businesses should confirm their eligibility for deductions with their tax advisor. In many cases, there are special benefits to corporations for donations of inventory.

National Cristina Foundation  1(800) CRISTINA

Computers For Schools

The second major national foundation, Computers For Schools, focuses on education and youth. The Computers For Schools Foundation founded in 1991 is a nationwide program that is addressing the critical need for computers in America’s classrooms. The coming century will require increasing technology literacy of our children. This foundation responds to the critical need for classroom computers by supplying quality computers donated by individuals and industry. Through a growing collection, transportation, and repair network, used computers are received, refurbished, and placed in schools. By 1998, more than 43,000 computers had been placed in schools by Computers For Schools. To donate through Computers For Schools,   call 800-939-6000 or send an e-mail through its Web site. Like NCF, Computers For Schools will match you with an appropriate donation center located near you. Then you can drop off your computer. Computers For Schools maintains drop-off sites in thirty-one states. Again, donations are tax deductible including the computer system and a per-mile transportation deduction. Computers For Schools requires that a computer be a Pentium or better. You can check its Web site for a list of state-specific eligibility requirements.

Computers For Schools  (800)-939-6000

There are other non-profit agencies, not quite as specific in focus as NCF or Computers For Schools, that will collect old computers and peripherals in addition to other items.

Other Agencies

There are other non-profit agencies, not quite as national in scope, that are eager to collect old computers and peripherals.

Gifts In Kind America    703-836-2121
Gifts In Kind America is much like NCF except that GIKA will accept all types of commodities. It offers tax benefits as well.

Goodwill Industries
Computer Recycling Services have been established by Goodwill Industries of Southern California to collect, refurbish, and sell used computer equipment. Possibly, this program will be nationwide in the future. Check with your local Goodwill to see how they can help you to recycle used computer equipment.

ComputerRecyclingCenter (408)-327-1800


The East West Foundation 617-442-7448

State Listings
To find organizations in your state that accept old computers, go to www.microweb.com/pepsite and click on computer recycling.

A Solution on the Local Level

If you want to do your good deed a little closer to home, it is easy to accomplish if you don't mind making some calls. After checking all the specifications on your computer, modem, processor, printer, etc, call your local schools - preferable the high schools that have computer and computer engineering classes. Call your local community college and check with area churches. Often these groups enthusiastically accept equipment. After making a few test calls in our area, I found the local schools want everything - no matter the age or processor speed, even ancient 386 models. Don't forget software. Our schools were very excited about the possibility of receiving software as well. In computer engineering classes, old computers are repaired and redirected. Students will take obsolete computers, break them down, and use the parts if the machine cannot be recycled as is. One teacher assured me my old PC would be used appropriately. Call and make sure your computer matches the specific needs of the school, college, or church.

Worst Case Scenario

Please, if your computer is simply too old to be useful, don't dump it in the landfill. Dispose of it in an ecologically responsible way; call your local sanitation department to find out your options.

The Benefit

It's a Win/Win situation. Get rid of your unwanted equipment and get a tax deduction as you provide fresh opportunities to needy participants for entry into the world of technology. By recycling your used, obsolete, and surplus computers, peripherals, and software, you are helping close the digital divide as well as saving valuable landfill space. This is your opportunity to become an important link in the e-giving chain.