General Info

Computer Recycling Center (CRC), founded in 1991 is, the oldest continuously operating full-service collection, reuse, and refurbishment program in the U.S.A. Working with businesses and municipalities, CRC's participation in collection and drop-off programs diverted millions of pounds of computer equipment from landfills last year. Reuse of entire units is given highest priority, followed by disassembly for reuse of parts, and finally recycling for the elements of unusable remaining items. Our mission is to REuse first (promote the highest and best re-use of computer and electronic equipment) and recycle unusable items to keep them out of landfills. COMPUTERS & EducationTM has an effective computer re-use program, providing refurbished computers to teachers, schools, community programs, foster kids, and home-bound disabled elderly, through city and county agencies. Our volunteer and internship programs work on computers to bridge the 'digital divide'. We've been featured in the New York Times "Circuits" section, S.F. Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News, Santa Rosa Press Democrat, and FORBES magazine as well as on San Francisco bay-area TV stations KRON, KPIX, KGO and KTVU. We've received additional coverage on ABC news, CBS news, CNN Business Report, Computer Currents, Good Morning America, NBC news, PBS, ZD [ TECH ] TV and Cnet. CRC expanded in 1992 with a grant from the David and Lucille Packard Foundation, and was state licensed as a vocational training program with state-certified courses in 1995. The Computers & Education REuse program was established in 1997. CRC and Computer & Education have placed tens-of-thousands of refurbished computers in to public schools and nonprofit educational programs. CRC provided United Way's 'Safe Havens' after-school program, partnered with Boys & Girls Club 'Building Horizons' in ROP (regional occupation programs), and provides internship opportunities for college and technical students. CRC provided the California Department of Corrections with computers for training and refurbishment, and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for digital-divide programs in neighborhood learning centers. CRC is recognized by state and federal legislators for its training and youth programs that divert computers from landfills. We "reuse the best and recycle the rest" to benefit the local community. Computer Recycling Center serves northern California and partners with local groups throughout California.