Across the country, 68% of households have an electronic product that is sitting around and not being used. These products include cell phones, desktop towers, laptops, monitors, printers, and other computer peripherals (mice, keyboards, cords, etc.), basically any device that transmits information. Here at Your Computer Friends we are giving you an option for ridding yourself of these unused devices.
Working Computers – If you have a working computer that utilizes a Windows XP operating system or higher and you would like to donate it, please consider bringing it by the store. When a computer is donated to us we wipe the hard drive of all your information and reload the operating system. We then take the computer and donate it to one of the charities in need. Past recipients include Communities In Schools, The Literacy Council, or the Domestic Violence Shelter, all of which are local charities here in Wilmington, NC. All machines go to local charities.
Non-Working Computers – If your computer is no longer operable then we will take it, free of charge*, during one of our electronics recycling events. At these events we accept any information transmitting device and make sure that they are properly recycled. e-Waste is quickly becoming the highest growing category of municipal waste that is being placed in landfills. These events are a great way to make sure that your products stay out of landfills and reduce your impact on our environment. When e-Waste is not properly recycled and disposed of, hazardous chemicals are able to seep into the ground and poison the community. We run events in January, April, and September; check our blog or Facebook sites for updates.
*There is a $10 fee on the disposal of CRT monitors (the big, bulky kind). Monitors have a gas in them that is not cost neutral to recycle. This is also true for bulb televisions.
-If you are worried about the information on the hard drive of a non-working computer, we can make sure that it is properly destroyed and documented for a $20 fee.
Cell Phones – We are happy to announce that we are a drop-off location for Cell Phones for Soldiers. This non-profit organization recycles used cell phones and the proceeds go to purchase calling card minutes for our service men and women serving overseas. There is no cost to donate your cell phones and you are able to drop them off at anytime during store hours.
Rechargeable Batteries – If you have rechargeable batteries that do not work or that you no longer use then we can also properly dispose of them for you. These types of batteries can be found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, two-way radios, camcorders, and remote control toys. There is no cost for disposal and you are able to drop them off at anytime during store hours.
