Environmental sustainability is important to New Orleans Technology Services. When necessary, we take computer and other electronic equipment to be recycled at The Green Project in New Orleans.

Computer Recycling and Reuse

Computers are a major contributor to electronic waste (e-waste), posing a major disposal issue because they consist of numerous components which are toxic to the atmosphere.

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance estimates that 75 percent of outdated electronics are presently saved, which will eventually lead to an enormous disposal concern for the world. With ongoing innovations in technology, there's a growing opportunity to recycle computers, minimizing the quantity that end up in landfills. But before you consider getting rid of anything, make certain you've weighed all the options. Consider upgrading, donating, selling or recycling.

Upgrade Your PC or Laptop

So, your computer isn’t performing well. What parts of it are not upgradeable, and what can be upgraded? A few of the primary upgrades can resolve the basic issues such as:

• Lack of speed, space or memory
• Problems playing video games online or from your hard drive
• The inability to edit movies or record music
• Outdated software or operating systems
• Small images resolutions or screens

Video cards, more ram, hard drives, graphics cards and DVD burners are all components that can be added to computers to satisfy the above needs. Though a few of these upgrades cost more than others, they are more affordable than buying a new computer. However they may not always be worth their expense. Make sure you aren’t installing a Rolls Royce engine into a Pinto body.

Donate or Sell Your PC or Laptop

If your computer is in working order, and you’ve just outgrown it, one of the best options is to sell it. Begin with your friends and families, and ask if they are interested in a usable computer. Also, there are lots of nearby non-profits, schools or outreach programs which could make use of such a donation. There are also websites such as freecycle where you could post it for someone to take off your hands.

If you are looking to put some cash in your pocket, try listing your computer on Craigslist or Ebay.

Recycle Your PC or Laptop

If it is simply time for you to lay your pc or laptop to rest, finding a recycling program is a must. According to the U.S. EPA, more than 800 communities have developed consumer electronics collection events to assist in managing e-waste. A lot of pc manufacturers and retailers provide some type of take-back program or recycling event. Mail-in programs are also excellent choices for recycling e-waste. Such programs may be substituted if there are no local options available.

• Apple Computer Recycling Program
  Cupertino, Calif. 85022
  (888) 638-2761
  Computer monitors, computer recycling
  This program accepts any Apple computer (desktop or portable) in working condition. This program will also accept monitors and keyboards. You can recycle your computer for a fee. Call for more information.
• A-Z Computer Recycling & Liquidation
  1661 South Brookhurst, Unit 1, Anaheim, Calif. 92804
  (714) 563-1029
  Computer monitors, computer recycling, electronics, office machines
  A-Z computer liquidators specialize in buying, selling, remarketing and recycling used computer parts, electronic components, telecom, network, lab and test equipment and peripherals. There is no charge to bring in laptops, P4/P3/G4/G3 windows and Mac desktop and towers, laptop parts and laptop accessories. All hard drives, CD-ROMs, loose PC boards/cards, all cables, all retail packaged/sealed software, all telephone equipment, all test equipment, all networking equipment (hubs, routers, switches, etc.).
• Hewlett-Packard Computer Hardware Recycling Program
  Palo Alto, Calif. 94304
  (888) 485-1849
  Computer donations, computer monitors, computer recycling
  HP's computer hardware recycling service is a simple and environmentally sound take-back program that offers consumers and business customers the ability to return any piece of computer hardware from any manufacturer. HP's state-of-the-art processes ensure that your unwanted hardware is reused or recycled in a way that conserves resources. For additional information you may also call (800) 580-7370.
• Great Lakes Electronics Corporation
  12600 Greenfield Road, Detroit, Mich.48227
  (313) 838-7000
  Computer monitors, computer recycling, electronics, televisions
  Please call for shipping information and drop-off fees. This site may pay for some items.
• Computer Corps
  6373 Highway 50 East, Carson City, Nev. 89701
  (775) 883-2323
  Compact discs, computer donation, computer monitors, computer recycling, electronics, office machines
  You may contact this program by e-mail at computercorps@att.net or by fax at (775) 883-7676. Computer Corps accepts all electronic waste except televisions.

Need more assistance in determining exactly what to do? Have a look at this Consumer Reports provided information: http://www.greenerchoices.org/electronicsrecycling/el_whatyoucando.cfm.

Recycle Used Cell Phones at New Orleans Technology Services

If you have a65n old cell phone that you'd like to recycle, feel free to bring it in to New Orleans Technology Services and we'll take care of it.

Trying to Recycle in New Orleans

To fill the void of goverment-provided garbage and recycling services in New Orleans, there are actually a wide range of private recycling options throughout the city. The following is a list of such services, illustrating that there is a market for just about everything. David McDonough and Steven O'Conner, founders of Phoenix Recycling, a private company, offer a twice monthly pickup of recyclable materials for a $15 a month fee. They will accept pre-sorted items placed in individual paper bags from your curbside – plastic (excluding grocery store bags); aluminum and metal cans; mixed paper, including newspaper, magazines, catalogs, and phone books; cereal boxes and broken down boxes.

SDT Waste and Debris Services offers recycling for $18 a month once 500 people in a designated zip code sign up for the service. Of the 54 zip codes in metropolitan New Orleans, four have qualified for the service: 70115, 70118, 70119, and 70124. Who's next?

SDT provides a 35-gallon cart container on wheels with a secure lid and does not request that materials are separated. Just throw it all in there together, and they too will pick up your materials twice monthly. As for glass, neither provider accepts glass because they do not deem it to be cost-effective to offer the service. However, for those out there that are feeling especially driven, all glass bottles can be taken to Tulane University's Newcomb Art School. There is a recycling area with Dumpsters and plastic cans to collect the glass that is then used for glassblowing and pressed glass projects.

The Green Project, a non-profit at 2831 Marais Street in the Marigny pretty much does it all. They operate a warehouse store that resells high quality, salvaged historical building materials such as antique doors and lumber at a low cost to the community. They also offer a recycling center for drop-off of personal computers, art supplies, newspapers, cardboard, and aluminum. In 2003, they partnered with Recycle for the Arts, offering art materials to individual artists, schools, and art programs at a low cost.

Bloomin' Deals at 4645 Freret Street accepts clothing donations as well as general household items. I must say, I have been there on occasion, and it's well worth checking out. If you are trying to figure out what to do with all those Mardi Gras beads sitting on top of your closet, The Arc and the Sierra Club at 5700 Loyola Avenue will gladly accept them. For recycling medical equipment, Easter Seals at 305 Baronne Street accepts wheelchairs, walkers, and bath seats. If you happen to have a propane cylinder that you want to get rid of, AmeriGas at 107 Iris Avenue in Jefferson will accept it for a $5 fee.

For those wanting to sell their own scrap metal, contact Uptown Recycling. If you have a car that you are looking to get rid of, the Bridge House at 1160 Camp Street accepts cars as well as clothing and household items. Bicycles are accepted for donation at Plan B at 511 Marigny Street. They also sell rebuilt bicycles offering a class teaching participants how to build their own bike.

The best websites for discovering your recycling options are www.freecycle.org?? www.recycle.net, and www.recycle.tulane.edu.

UPDATE! Target in Metairie now accepts GLASS BOTTLES for recycling!