Computer Refurbishing

Did you know…

That on average, the Neil Squire Society refurbishes 115 computers a year, resulting in nearly two tons of e-waste being kept out of BC landfills?

Keep your computer out of a landfill and change a life. Donate your old computer for refurbishing today!

About the Computer Refurbishing program

As a Microsoft® Registered Refurbisher, we accept donations of used computers which we refurbish and provide to people with disabilities for free.

We

  • use stringent data wiping standards to effectively erase your data
  • ensure that your privacy and security are not compromised
  • install genuine Microsoft® software on all of our refurbished computers

The innards of a computer

Who will it impact?

Computers are a vital link to the outside world. The knowledge and skills to use a computer can greatly improve independence, access to resources, and connections with family and friends for a person with a disability.

Your computer will be used by a person who does not have the means to purchase a computer on their own.

Through our Computer Comfort program, we provide free computer skills development as well as ongoing technical support on and off site.
A Computer Comfort volunteer working one-on-one with a participant

Who can donate?

Anyone. We accept donations from individuals and companies alike.

What are the minimum system requirements?

  • 1 GHz processor speed
  • 10 GB hard drive
  • 256 MB of RAM

Will I get a tax receipt?

Yes, each computer is appraised and a tax receipt is provided upon request.

The impact of e-waste on the environment

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that over 112,000 computers are discarded every day worldwide.

Between 20 and 50 million metric tonnes of electronic waste is produced every year which amounts to 5% of the world’s municipal garbage.

When computers are discarded improperly they leave behind lead, cadmium, mercury and other hazardous wastes.
A picture of the innards of a computer
E‐waste is the fastest growing municipal waste stream. Overall, between 2005 and 2006, total volumes of municipal waste increased by only 1.2%, compared to 8.6% for e-waste.

Only 13.6% of disposed e-waste is recycled. Compare that to 33.4% of all other categories of municipal waste.

The problem will only get worse. According to a preliminary forecast by Gartner Inc., in 2010, worldwide computer sales are set to increase by about 19.7%.

Your donated computer will have a direct impact on the quality of someone’s life.
Computer Comfort participant

The Computer Refurbishing program is only available in British Columbia. For more information please contact:

Munesh Raman
Computer Comfort Coordinator
T 604.473.9363
muneshr@neilsquire.ca

The Neil Squire Society is a Microsoft® Registered Refurbisher

Microsoft Registered Refurbisher Logo