Give One In, Get One Back! - Updated!
Voscur, working with Byteback Computer recycling and Bristol Wireless, supported through the ICT Hubs' Unmet Needs fund is running a new project through to March 2008 to promote the recycling of old computer equipment and the re-use of machines. Those dumb boxes whose shelf lives have been extended through the use of volunteer computer maintenance and free software.
Step One - Recycle your old computer equipment for free through Byteback Recycling
Step Two - Claim your half price computer off Bristol Wireless (normally retail at £50, proof of recycling required)
Step Three - Watch your productivity rise and your support costs fall
Step Four - bathe in the warm green glow of doing your bit for the environment!
Why Recycle?
Many organisations have machines that have been set aside for various reasons, stored in cupboards and under desks, or even in staff and volunteers homes. In the past most of these have been destined for the bin, either because the technical skills are not available for recovery or because the cost of repair or secure, legal disposal is prohibitive.
In 2004, UK businesses disposed of 2 million computers into landfill sites, and with a number of highly toxic 'ingredients' used in their manufacture computer disposal is rapidly becoming a major environmental issue. In response to the problems of disposing of computer equipment, the European Union has introduced a Europe wide directive, coming into force in the UK in 2007 that aims to raise recycling levels to 75%.
Why Reuse?
Although modern operating systems (such as Microsoft Vista) require enormous resources to run, many free operating systems are designed to deliver similar performance on much lower specification machines, requiring less power and less expensive hardware. This means they can be used to extend the life of previously discarded machines by those who have followed the upgrade treadmill. Many discarded machines from industry and business can be turned back into powerful office machines.
How much will it cost?STOP PRESS - full recycling costs now being met!
In addition, you will qualify for £25 off a replacement machine (usually retailing at £50) from Bristol Wireless.
Get off the upgrade treadmill
Microsoft have created a situation where every 4 to 5 years they almost have the ability to force everybody to upgrade to their new release, all new machines are supplied through their OEM deals with hardware manufacturers with the new version, last time XP, this time Vista, and a similar process occurs at the server level.
Associated office software often has to be upgraded too. Some patches are released to make things backwardly compatible but you definitely get the feeling their hearts are not in it and what they really want is to sell you their new software.
For comitted MS users this means new hardware, new systems, new learning which for many voluntary sector organisations means that their entire IT strategy is dictated by an American multi-national company who most definitely don't have their best interests at heart.
The environmental impact of this global forced
upgrade can be combatted by using low power low impact free software,
and choosing when you want to improve your systems rather than having
that dictated externally.
How do I start?
Call Byteback to arrange the disposal of your old equipment, or call Sean at Voscur to learn more about the scheme. - 0117 9330508
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Equipment Recycling Charges as of 1st June 2007.pdf | 65.49 KB |