OcEAN HILLS COMPUTER CLUB
computer and electronics recycling and disposal
There comes a time in the life of every OHCC home when a computer, answering machine, radio, television, sound system, can opener, telephone, and numerous other electrically operated devices, need to be replaced. It may be because it refuses to work properly or becomes outmoded. The question arises "What do I do to dispose of this item?" The OHCC Computer Club has had a program for several years of providing informal information on that question for Club computers users. "If it is inoperable or definitely damaged, dispose of it as E-Waste!"
Background
The State of California developed a statewide E-Waste program which enlists commercial electronics disposal companies to provide this service for its citizens. The companies provide drop-off sites a citizen of California can drive to and dispose of the electronics equipment with a minimum of effort.
Local E-Waste Disposal Sites
Jim Wright (Piros Way), a member of the Computer Club recently surveyed North San Diego for sites which advertise as "E-Waste disposal sites". He has prepared a list of nearby commercial companies which appear to be convenient to drive to and dispose of E-Waste, This list contains the company "search words" and "links" for the sites. Potential users should telephone a site to ensure they can process the type and quantity of items being disposed of. Most sites are "no fee" but some have a small fee for certain items or services. Please check!
NORTH COUNTY E-WASTE SITES
E-World Recyclers (Vista) www.eworldrecyclers.com
San Marcos U-Store (SIM) www.sanmarcos-storage.com
Best Buy (SM) Electronic Recycling Best Buy
computer reuse
In addition to recycling inoperable computer equipment the OHCC Computer Club has maintained a program of recycling operable computer equipment and making them available for reuse by OHCC residents or clubs.
If a resident contacts Jim Wright, a Computer Club member, and states that they have , for example, "just bought a new computer( printer, monitor, keyboard, modem, or mouse , etc.)" and wants to contribute the older equipment to the Computer Club, they will be directed to try and locate any software, manuals, cables, etc. and bring the items with the equipment when they drop the equipment drop it off.
Reuse Assessment
When an "operable" item is received it will be tested in a computer installation to determine its general performance. Driver software and operating manuals are usually internet available, if required. If an item is operable, it will be cleaned up, all items associated with it will be packaged (software, cables, documents, etc.,) and set aside for reuse. If the item is inoperable, any useful items, e.g. memory, hard drive, video cards, cables, etc. will be "harvested" from it and retained. The remainder of the item will be treated as E-Waste.
Obtaining Reuse Items
Items passing the operability assessment will be made available to residents or clubs on a "first come-first serve basis". If the item is obtained, operated, and accepted, the resident or club can make a "free will" donation to the Computer Club by check.