what if - a nonprofit website for free electronic stuff

[Waterguy]

a website where you can donate electronics that are still good to anyone who will take it in your neighborhood.

you donate a minimum of say 10 dollars for full access for thirty days and say find a computer or television that's been used but is still good.

This way the person who wants a new computer or television isn't wasting the electronic device.

the people who run the website are a group of people who get paid a simple flat rate to cover expenses and no profit.

Is there something like that already? If there is, why isn't it already public knowledge?

Could something like this be run through the public - like NPR?

[TigressDem]

1. Free Geek is in some cities

So they take donated electronics and recycle them and if the device is still usable they put on a Linux operating system.

It started in Portland Oregon and has branched out to MN. I guess it's like a Charity Franchise. Probably would contact Oregon location to see how to open one up in a new city.


https://www.freegeek.org/

https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/931292010



The FREE GEEKS donate their time to do the repairs, labor and sorting.
Items are sold for bottom line pricing.


https://www.freegeektwincities.org/

https://www.freegeektwincities.org/online-store-landing


They do have a few employees to coordinate volunteers and run the onsite and online store.

[TigressDem]

2. Interconnection is a similar program in Seattle

https://interconnection.org/

[TigressDem]

3. PCs for People provides pcs for people in low income bracket

https://www.pcsforpeople.org/

PCs for People provides refurbished computers to eligible customers for affordable prices. We also provide low-cost high-speed internet solutions. Through computers, internet, digital skills training, and technical support, we work to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential through digital technology. 

[TigressDem]

4. National Cristina foundation

https://www.cristina.org/

National Cristina Foundation is a private foundation dedicated to creating positive outcomes for future generations. The Foundation was a pioneer in the concept of technology reuse when it was established in 1984 and has actively worked to eliminate the digital divide over the many years since. The Foundation promotes the practice of technology reuse in service of developing and supporting human potential, advocating that no person should be left behind because of the challenges of the digital divide.

In pursuit of that vision, the Foundation is the primary supporter of its partner nonprofit organization, Digitunity. Employing a holistic approach to solving the digital divide, Digitunity works to enable significant social change through the support of technology reuse, which in turn unlocks unlimited potential, connecting those in need with opportunity, community, and hope.

[TigressDem]

5. World Computer Exchange is in 78 countries

https://worldcomputerexchange.org/

Opportunity begins with access

WCE has connected 5 million youth around the world to digital resources, empowering them to reach their full potential.

[TigressDem]

6. Computers With Causes

https://www.computerswithcauses.org/application/


Apply for a Computer

We invite you to apply for a Computer… Our main goal is to provide a refurbished computer gifted by our generous donors to help schools, low income families, children in foster homes, nonprofits, the elderly and disabled veterans in need.

[bahboo]

9. cool...gonna check this out...

I have some stuff to donate...

[TigressDem]

12. Cool

[Liberty Belle]

7. San Diego Futures Foundation in our area gives away refurbished computers to nonprofits,

and accepts donated items. Most of their computers were formerly owned by the county, which upgrades every couple of years.

They allow nonprofits to request up to five computers every year or two, as I recall. Our nonprofit has had several.

You can also opt to pay a little bit to have them add upgrades to customize it for you.

It's a great idea and it would be good if it could expand beyond helping nonprofits to helping low-income people in need, too.

But anybody can donate used computer equipment and a few other things, too.

[TigressDem]

8. So yeah, it's a thing..... not as well publicized as it should be.

I worked at Free Geek as a volunteer for a bit.

And a friend of mine got her pc from PC for People at one point.

Checked for like organizations.

[Waterguy]

10. appreciate the posts!

I was just wondering about how to donate.
I don't want to buy if I have to dump something that still works well.
It makes no sense.

It stifles the whole innovation ecosystem - we need to see where we are going,
too many things are mis-used or under used, or used in the wrong ways, where
they become all of everything when they are only devices towards efficiency -

or are they?

Seems like the more you tinker, the more you find hidden wastes.

[TigressDem]

11. There are also small repair shops that recycle

If they can fix and resell, they do.

Rest of it goes to be recycled properly.

[TigressDem]

13. Free Geek also takes phones.

So they resell phones as well.

That can be a bit more difficult as phone manufactures are making it difficult to repair on your own.

Parts are locked to the phone sometimes so will error out if using a non OEM part.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronics_right_to_repair

Electronics right to repair is proposed legislation that would provide the practical means for electronics equipment owners to repair their devices. Repair is legal under copyright law and patent law. However, owners and independent technicians are often unable to make their own repairs because of manufacturer limitations on access to repair materials such as parts, tools, diagnostics, documentation and firmware.[1]

Proposed legislation has taken note of the specific power of state governments in the US to require both fair and reasonable contracts ("UDAP&quot [2] law and General Business Law which allows states to make specific requirements of businesses seeking to do business within their borders.[3] Additionally, under US Law, the Federal Trade Commission has the specific authority to restrict UDAP violations.[4]

While a global concern, the primary debate over the issue has been centered on the United States and within the European Union.[5] Additional efforts are now ongoing in Canada[6] and Australia.[7]

Bloggers, activists and volunteer groups such as Louis Rossmann and the Repair Cafe movement started by Martine Postma are also active promoters of repair rights.