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eWaste

People standing with sign for Tech for Troops Nonprofit

Recycle Your Electronic Waste

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People standing with sign for Tech for Troops NonprofitToday we want to spotlight a business that helps you get rid of electronic waste, helps the environment, and helps the people they serve:  Tech 4 Troops!

Tech For Troops was started in Richmond, Virginia by a mother and son team who were passionate about military veterans in need, and wanted to do something to help. In 2013 after hearing about the force reductions and a huge number of returning soldiers, they decided to collect used PCs and Macs, refurbish them, and provide them to veterans’ support organizations.

Since then, they’ve grown to supporting veterans nationwide and continue to look for ways to offer workforce support and training. Many veterans face two significant barriers when competing in the modern workforce: the lack of a computer and the lack of the skills needed to effectively use that computer.  T4T supports these veterans by collecting used technology that would usually end up in landfills, then refurbishing the laptops and other devices.

They are always looking for:

–  Working and non-working laptops with power adapters

–  Desktop computers

–  Working flat panel monitors

–  iPads and tablets

–  Cell phones

–  Keyboards, mice, and other computer parts

–  File servers and networking equipment

–  Wiring (Cat5 and Cat6)

–  All other electronics you are throwing away

So go find that box of accumulated old electronics in your closet, or recent computer that you’ve let get dusty after upgrading to a new model.  If you’re in the Richmond area, you can donate your items by taking them to Tech For Troops, 4840 Waller Road, Richmond, VA 23230.  Or you can use a “Give Back Box” for a small fee, fill it with up to 25 pounds of accepted items, and drop the box off at UPS or FedEx for shipment to Tech for Troops. More information about this special organization can be found at Teck4Troops.org!

E-waste accounts for up to 70% of hazardous waste in landfills. T4T has responsibly recycled over 750 tons of e-waste, using an R2 certified recycling company. Now’s a great time to pass along your electronic equipment to benefit others!

Blocks with 2021-22

Out With the Old

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Blocks with 2021-22New Year’s is a time to say, “Out with the old, and in with the new,” but what DO you do with all the old stuff?  There are a lot of options for responsible ways to repurpose or recycle the items you want to get rid of — without sending them to the landfill.

If Santa brought you some new kicks, it’s time to go to your closet and sort out the old shoes you’re not wearing any more.  You can donate unused or gently worn shoes to Soles4Souls.  They partner with women’s shelters, veterans’ organizations, children’s programs and schools to get shoes and clothing to those who need it most.  There’s even a little something in it for you too!  You can drop off your donated shoes to DSW shoe stores and they will apply 50 points to your DSW VIP account!

Did you take advantage of Black Friday sales to purchase a new laptop?  Or are you like many people who have a small collection of old electronics gathering dust and hiding in closets?  You can donate working or non-working laptops, desktop computers, iPads, tablets, cell phone, and many other items to Tech for Troops, located in the Richmond area.  They will wipe your data and secure hard drives before recycling usable parts or redistributing working electronics to Veterans in need.  Here’s a full list of what they will accept for donations.  If you live in the Shenandoah Valley, ALC Recycling is dedicated to keeping computer and electronic waste out of landfills.  They even offer free pick-up.

In addition to dropping off old electronic equipment, Best Buy offers haul-away options for a small fee if you purchase a large TV, appliance, or fitness equipment; or you can order stand-alone pickup for a fee even if you didn’t purchase something from them.  Yes, it will cost you a little bit of money, but just imagine the space you’ll gain if you get rid of that exercise bike or treadmill in your bedroom, or that old freezer in your garage!  The units are responsibly recycled by licensed, third-party recycling partners.

Maybe you rearranged your furniture, or purchased a new dining room set in anticipation of resuming family gatherings?  You can donate your old furniture to ReStores, which are nonprofit home improvement stores that directly support local Habitat for Humanity efforts.  There are more than 20 ReStore locations across Virginia (find yours here) that accept donated material from building contractors, manufacturers, and the general public.  You can even shop their inventory of new and gently used goods that are available at a fraction of the retail price.

These are just a few organizations that will help you rid your home of unused items in a way that will make you feel good about the organizations you help, or just knowing that you’re doing what’s right for the environment. That’s a win-win for all, and a great way to start off a new year!