REGINA – With frequent technological advancements, the life span for electronic devices is shrinking and creating an abundance of waste.
Just like paper can be recycled, electronics can be reused as well.
Take old computers for example. They can get a second lease on life at Community Computers.
The charity was founded in 2006 when Robert Jozsa saw a family in need.
“Mom took the kids aside and said. ‘Ok, you understand if we buy this computer, we can’t afford shoes for you.’”
As a single father himself, Jozsa understood the balancing act involved in raising children and without hesitation, he gave them the computer free of charge.
“There’s a lot of families in Regina that have a genuine need for technology, that they don’t have access to it. Technology to apply for a job, to study, to write reports,” he said.
In an average month, the charity provides computers for between five and eight families.
“Need is always greater than supply. We’ve got a lot of computers here, but they have no hard drives, they need to be relicensed, they need RAM upgrades,” Jozsa said.
In exchange for their old computers, laptops and tablets, donators receive a tax receipt.
Before the devices are given away, they are wiped of any personal information, repaired and upgraded.
The computers are handed out based on referrals from community groups.
If it’s an outdated phone you’re ready to part with, SaskTel can make sure it finds a good home with its Phones for a Fresh Start program.
There are numerous drop boxes at SaskTel stores, and various other retailers around the province where you can donate your old phone, according to external communications director, Michelle Englot.
They can even be mailed, for free, at any Canada Post office.
“We do refurbish those and we provide them to the PATHS (Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services) organization and they donate them to women in need at their transition homes across the province,” Englot said.
Since 2009, more than 77,000 phones have been recycled.
“96 per cent percent of material in phones is recyclable. We do get paid for that. With those proceeds we actually buy phone cards and donate them,” Englot said.
If you’re looking for a one stop shop for old electronics, SARCAN takes it all – minus appliances.
“While you’re coming here to bring your empty bottles anyways, bring in your electronics, your computers, your old televisions, we would be more than happy to take them off your hands.”
The program has been a popular one since its inception in 2007.
“We would probably palletize anywhere from three to four pallets of televisions every day and a pallet would be anywhere from six to 12 televisions.”
More than three million devices have been diverted from the landfill, equating to three for every Saskatchewan resident.
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