ReuseRecycle

Reuse, Repurpose, even Recycle... but try to avoid the landfill!

An appalling amount of perfectly serviceable computer equipment gets sent to landfills each year. Much of it is discarded because it can't run the "latest and greatest" version of MS Windows. Meanwhile, schools, social service organizations, libraries, and small startup businesses have to scrimp and save to buy equipment, or do without computers entirely. Equipment that avoids the landfill is often shipped off to China or other third world countries, where it is broken up and recycled under primitive conditions, spreading lead, mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metal contamination.

Many of these discarded computer systems can, with minimal updating, run some flavor of Linux without any trouble at all. Of course, 8088s and 80286s belong in a museum, but most 386 and up systems can run Linux. They may not be fast enough for a graphical interface, but might do for a server or firewall. Some hardware upgrades may be necessary (adding RAM and perhaps a larger hard disk), but Linux versions exist that can make use of pretty old equipment. Most PCs are perfectly good for email and Web-surfing, even if they can't handle high framerate games or sophisticated 3D graphical work.

Some LUGs and computer clubs are willing to roll up their sleeves and physically collect and refurbish old equipment for use by schools, libraries, and non-profits. Of course, these machines go out with Linux, not Windows. Other LUGs and clubs start out with a clearinghouse for information on other organizations that do this sort of work. This is where the MHVLUG currently is, with this page.

Resistance is useless!

Not every old computer is going to be accepted by its intended recipients. Some, such as school computer labs, have a legitimate need for a large number of nearly identical setups. If old equipment is collected piecemeal, it may indeed be difficult to supply a large number of similar machines. This isn't impossible, though, as large companies and organizations may get rid of large numbers of similar machines all at once. The key is to figure out how to make potential sources of equipment aware of such a reuse program, and to handle the logistics of physically handling the equipment -- transport, storage, wiping of disks, upgrades, loading with Linux, and distribution. The recipient may need help with wiring up a LAN or otherwise preparing a suitable home for the equipment.

Some potential donors may have problems from an accounting or tax write-off standpoint with donating to a LUG rather than a recognized charity. This might be overcome by the LUG's partnering with a group such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army, or with the eventual recipient of the equipment (such as a school). The recognized charity accepts the equipment, and the LUG handles the technical work on an actual-cost basis. Just members' time is donated.

One must remember that the great unwashed masses have been thoroughly brainwashed into believing that Bill Gates is God, and that Microsoft produces software that is the epitome of perfection. It is sometimes a difficult sell to convince people that Linux is every bit as good as Windows. Free computers, free software, and free support can sometimes do the job, but a LUG needs to be able to do some selling (without coming across as a bunch of zealots). Some recipients will resist because Photoshop or Word isn't available on Linux -- you have to show them that The GIMP and OpenOffice Writer are just as good. If they've put in a lot of time and effort to learn all the ins and outs of certain Windows-based products, it is a legitimate concern that they'll have to start all over. A school system that insists that its students must learn specific recent levels of Microsoft products (or they'll be forever unemployable) is sadly misguided. Unless a student is incredibly stupid, they should have little trouble transitioning from Calc to Excel or Writer to Word, or whatever their eventual employer happens to use. You may come across someone using software which is only available for Windows, and there is no reasonable Linux-compatible alternative, and things like WINE or VMWARE don't work out. In those cases, that poor soul may have to remain a prisoner of Redmond.

Some will express concern that an old machine is too energy-inefficient to bother with. If they're the type that leave their machines idling 24-7 because they're too lazy to turn them off at night, and an older machine doesn't have power management (particularly in a CRT), well, what can you say? Each generation of processors and graphic cards seem to be more power-hungry than the last, while monitors and peripherals get more efficient (mostly through shutting off when unused). A CRT certainly consumes more power than an LCD, but there's no reason that a recipient can't replace a free CRT display with a new store-bought LCD, if power consumption is a critical issue with them. Keep in mind that disposing or recycling of an old system, and the manufacture of a new one, also takes energy. If a donated old system will be shut off 16 hours a day anyway, isn't it better to reuse it than to destroy it and buy a new system?

Finally, it is a legitimate concern that older equipment may well be more worn out and closer to death. Hey, it's free (or super cheap) -- do you want everything? The recipient needs to understand that their system (sans warranty) may be a bit more likely to go belly-up than a brand new system, and the provider (including the LUG) needs to be thinking about providing spare parts and systems for the inevitable failures.

Some links to organizations collecting and distributing equipment

Resellers

There are companies that buy used computer systems, peripherals, and equipment; refurbish, and sell them. In most cases, they want to deal in fairly large lots, but for some specialized equipment they will work with onesies-twosies. Some will sell on consignment.

What you can do

Don't casually toss old electronics in the trash. See if someone will collect them for proper recycling, or even better, reuse. Some towns collect e-waste one or more days a year (but check what they'll do with it -- most likely recycle it). At work, inquire about the fate of old equipment being replaced -- perhaps those in charge have never heard of reuse and second lives for old computers. Point them to groups that reuse equipment, such as those listed above. There are groups that collect and reuse old cell phones and refill old toner cartridges too!

Don't forget that donated computers are an opportunity to evangelize Linux! This is your chance to expose the unwashed masses to Linux. Schools are ideal -- adopt the Apple method and hook 'em while they're young. Make the general public comfortable with using something other than Windows.

ReuseRecycle (last edited 2007-11-20 12:43:07 by PhilPerry)