Hidden Hazardous Waste-education Presented on behalf of Free Geek

1. Hidden Hazardous Waste-educationPresented on behalf of Free Geek Free Geek is a Portland-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering free computers, technology and education powered by reuse & recycling in association with Oregon E-Cycles. We accept almost all technology with an emphasis on reuse. All materials are handled ethically and environmentally. While Free Geek is not the only re-use centered community donation center, it is the main location that will receive electronics and often harder to detect hazardous materials. A donor or consumer has a plethora of options for where to donate their used goods, and the challenge lies in proper disposal, educating the public about what is hazardous, and not alienating the donor if they are unaware that they are attempting to dispose of it incorrectly.

2. Free Geek's List Every donation receiving center will need a list of items they can't accept, Free Geek's includes: Smoke Detectors Household Appliances (including air conditioners) Fluorescent Light Bulbs Oil Heaters Mercury bearing items Broken CRT TVs / Monitors This list is on our website, posted on our incoming area hallway and on our voice-mail box

4. What we end up with Despite our education and outreach efforts, Free Geek still ends up with many difficult to dispose of items, the most common being: Florescent Light Bulbs Old corroded batteries Smoke alarms Old ballasts with PCBs Unknown liquids/cleaners Free Geek takes its vows of responsible disposal seriously but is not outfitted to process hazardous materials. Often we have to just pay to dispose of these items and as a non-profit that is more costly to our budget and overhead, not to mention there is usually no reimbursement from the donor or Oregon E-cycles. Extra truck shipments are one of the most expensive staff costs, or shipping it outside of the Portland Metro area. Remaining a steward of responsible disposal at the cost of doing so is a balancing act that non-profits like Free Geek must all deal with.

5. Education Proper education requires that Free Geek staff be informed about the various potential hazardous materials that can come hidden or blatantly in donations. Free Geek discusses common hazardous materials found in electronics during the twice a day tour of the facility for volunteers to increase awareness. We can attempt to educate donors at the door but that can have the unintended consequence of alienating them. Unintended hazardous materials in a donation can be felt as a reflection on the donor, even if staff people use careful wording in a positive, education focused light. There are places we can redirect hazardous waste to but often they are not very nearby.

6. Moving Forward We are fortunate to live in the Northwest where there is a greater emphasis on waste management. More non-profit donation centers are using social media and their websites to educate before the initial visit and drop off. Grassroots education about healthier alternatives to hazardous materials involved in cleaning. Phasing out older electronics that had more hazardous materials in them, focusing on new more sustainable production. Interested organizations and individuals still need to be vigilant about being aware of new items that come into the market. Visit www.freegeek.org for more information about our programs!