Free Geek Vancouver

Free Geek is a nonprofit community organization that reduces the environmental impact of waste electronics by reusing and recycling donated technology. Through community engagement we provide education, job skills training, Internet access and free or low cost computers to the public. We are one of a dozen autonomous Free Geek organizations located throughout the U.S. and Canada. The original Free Geek was founded in Portland, OR, in 2000. We provide a place for people to share technology in a way that is environmentally sensitive and socially progressive. We believe in transparency, accountability, and sustainability. Reducing environmental impact of e-waste. We dispose of equipment in an ethical and environmentally responsible manner. We're a reuse and recycling centre, and a large part of our mission is environmental. Reuse is the most desirable fate for old electronics. Finding a new home for an existing piece of technology generally requires less energy and produces fewer pollutants than any method of recycling. Recycling regionally and ethically is the next-best choice for old electronics. We recycle as locally as possible to minimize transportation, and so that we can build relationships with recyclers and have confidence in their methods. We aim to recycle in British Columbia where possible, but will otherwise use Canadian and American recyclers. In accordance with the Basel Convention, we absolutely refuse to send materials to non-OECD countries.