Donating computers to good causes

[witch]

I have had endless problems getting through to any of these "Computers for Africa" type websites. We have 30-odd 6 year old computers with monitors etc that the school want given to a good cause. They are Intel E540s 2.7GHz with 2GB RAM and 160GB hard drives.

 

Does anyone know of anyone who will come down to deepest Dorset and pick them up? I know there are free recycling firms but the school really want to be able to say that they went to Africa or similar

[3s-gtech]

The issue with donating these things to Africa is it's turning swathes of it into an electronic waste dumping ground - WEEE regulations aren't strictly enforced once they leave the UK! Could they be donated to a charity in the UK which won't necessarily export them, but may be able to monetise them for good causes?

[Jamman960]

We've recently used PCD Computer Recycling - they give us 'charity points' based on how much we recycle etc

[witch]

I don't mind a charity in the UK - the Governors just want a clear idea of where the PCs are going

[Oaktech]

I have had endless problems getting through to any of these "Computers for Africa" type websites. We have 30-odd 6 year old computers with monitors etc that the school want given to a good cause. They are Intel E540s 2.7GHz with 2GB RAM and 160GB hard drives.

 

Does anyone know of anyone who will come down to deepest Dorset and pick them up? I know there are free recycling firms but the school really want to be able to say that they went to Africa or similar

 

Our partner school is still running those!

 

I'd be more than happy to take at least 15 of them off your hands so we can get a class set of them rather than a one between two!

[jimmy_2k]

I once sent some computers from my first school which was a primary to Africa. I did some of the organisation with a lady who was based out in Ghana. I was sent back some lovely pictures of the girls carrying computer monitors on their heads (in boxes) and the construction students constructing the new computer lab. I underestimated the impact this would have and was pleased that I went through with it, but a few people did try and put me off. However, that was back in 2004. These days it might be easier to sell of the computers and use the money to buy computers for a school in Africa. The cost of shipping my lot was about £1k. Paid for by fundraising. I am also concerned that the computers I sent out may very well be dumped somewhere now.

[win]

I sent mine to IT schools africa, they give you a certificate of appreciation afterwards. No problems with the collection, although it was just one man so i helped him carry all the equipment into the van

[Lonix]

I'd see if any local primaries would want them. Done that my self a few times over the years.

[witch]

The school want to donate them to Africa (sorry @Oaktech)

ITSchoolsAfrica have replied and seem quite keen. Thanks all

[Oaktech]

The school want to donate them to Africa (sorry @Oaktech)

ITSchoolsAfrica have replied and seem quite keen. Thanks all

 

Mutter mutter charity begins at home mutter mutter...

[crc-ict]

The problem I have experienced looking at these 'Computers to Africa' schemes is that they all seem to want a minimum spec. And always much higher than we would consider getting rid of!

 

My concern also is being sure that they are getting to the right people once they have gone. Also the data security implications of not being able to say for absolutely certain what happened to the PCs.

 

I like PRM Green Technologies personally. It might not be charitable, but I like the security of certificates, with serial numbers, confirming my hard drives and data have been destroyed.

Edited January 31, 2017 by crc-ict

[jimmy_2k]

PRM green are pretty good, you get a free mug. Stone Computers also do recycling and sometimes you can get money back for anything they can resell

[admars]

Years ago where I worked we donated some old kit, that went to India or Africa (although a lot of ours was below min spec 3rd world wanted), some of our asset tags turned up in a dumping ground We assumed the company sorting out for us took care of all that

[GuyJD]

I've used Computer Aid before they seemed pretty professional, they are based in London and Manchester so not sure if they'll collect from Dorset but it's worth a try.

 

Computer Aid International

[Oaktech]

The school want to donate to charity specifically. I have used PRM Green in the past.

 

I will ask the question, @Oaktech, but aren't you part of a MAT now? Haven't they got loadsamoney?

 

We aren't part of the MAT yet, not until April... But we've already been told that there will be no more additional resource budget. Training, CPD and SIP are the only things that will have more money under the MAT.

[Cazale]

I'd see if any local primaries would want them. Done that my self a few times over the years.

Agree with this. The primaries I work in have been beneficiary of this before (they were using Pentium 3s... in 2015!), got a bunch of Core 2 Duo's with 4gb in from a local school, upgraded the entire school from XP to Windows 7 with zero cost. One man's rubbish...

[witch]

I am in a local primary - or a junior at least!