Recycling |Donating
How We Reuse
We want to make sure that all working technology finds a good home.
Free Geek Twin Cities recycles several tons of electronics each year, but our primary focus is getting the donated technology reused. At the heart of our mission is the Build Program, where donated computers are refurbished into working machines that use the Linux or Windows operating systems. These computers are then donated to non-profit organizations, or sold in the thrift store.
Free Geek Twin Cities volunteers not only refurbish desktop computers, but also work with laptops, Apple computers, motherboards, network devices, optical drives, cards, RAM, and related components. Other electronics, such as AV equipment, video game consoles, cables, and anything we can work with, will also get reused.
For devices with non-removable media (tablets, smartphones, smart watches, streaming devices, routers, etc)
Secure storage
Devices are received and stored in staff-only areas of the building, then placed into locking rooms based on their type and size.
Secure erase
If a device holds any data from a prior user, the data is deleted or the device is destroyed. No exceptions. Additionally, deleting data is not sufficient for refurbishment: Staff must ALSO be able to delete account information via the device’s “Factory Reset” functionality. (Due to these standards, a good portion of our devices go directly to secure destruction.)
Secure destruction
Devices destined for destruction go into a barrel in a staff-only area, which is then crushed by our upstream recycling partner.
How We Recycle
What Happens to Your Computer When It’s Recycled?
If a computer cannot be refurbished or reused, then our volunteers will take it apart and separate it into basic components. Free Geek then finds a local industrial processor to break down the materials – one that we are confident will handle the materials in an environmentally responsible manner. Learn more about volunteering in recycling.??
We currently have not been able to find recyclers for a few materials, and thus these end up in the trash:
Rubber and rubber-based foam
Glass (only beverage glass is recyclable)
Treated wood (speaker cases are the common source of this)
Info On Data Privacy
Free Geek Twin Cities takes data privacy very seriously. We ensure the complete destruction of all user data from donated devices. We monitor our facility via a closed circuit camera system 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For devices with removable media (desktops, laptops, servers)
Secure storage
Our staff removes hard drives and places them in a secure cage. Keyholders are limited to specific staff.
Secure erase
Hard drives that meet our specifications for reuse are wiped by authorized staff. The process we use for data destruction is Nwipe, which overwrites the hard drive using a destructive write. (Solid State drives are wiped with their firmware secure erase tools.) This ensures that ALL data on the drive is completely destroyed and totally unrecoverable.
Secure destruction
Hard drives that do not meet our specifications for reuse are physically destroyed on-site.
Are you an IT professional with bulk electronics ready to recycle?
Upgrading at the office? Free Geek Twin Cities is happy to accept your old IT and enterprise electronic equipment. Your donation helps affordable technology available to the community, and makes your business more sustainable.
We accept equipment all kinds of equipment to be re-used and refurbished. This includes computers, monitors, laptops, servers, server racks, old Ethernet spools, wireless access points, PoE devices and distributors, switches, routers, and more! We have a full list of everything that we normally accept on our accepted electronics list. Let us know if you don’t see something on there.
If you are a business or IT professional, please contact us at geeks@freegeektwincities.org before bringing your donation. Knowing what you plan to donate helps us prepare for a large donation.
Donate Funds
Our board, staff, and volunteers are so grateful for the continued support, and are excited for the future of Free Geek Twin Cities.
Your donation will directly contribute to keeping valuable technology and materials out of the landfill, helping to turn one person’s trash into another’s treasure. In an increasingly digital world, low-barrier access to the internet and computing is more important than ever. Free Geek Twin Cities is committed to providing this access under a sustainable model.
DONATION FAQs:
What does FGTC accept?
Almost every piece of tech you can think of! No matter how old or broken! Computers, laptops, tablets, keyboards/mice, cords, chargers, phones, digital cameras, VHS, CDs, cassettes, DVDs, Blu-ray players & media, video game consoles, games & controllers, calculators, electronic toys & games, networking equipment.
What items have fees/limits?
We require a $5 donation & limit two items per household per day for the following items, desktop printers and scanners, flat screen monitors, all TVs under 55 inches (including CRTs). The $5 donation offsets the cost of disposing of these items responsibly. The limit allows our small staff the time to properly process these donations.
What about large business donations?
You betcha! Send an email to geeks@freegeektwincities.org so we can coordinate. If your an IT professional click here to scroll down
What don’t you accept?
We do not accept most large items or items that contain hazardous materials. Solar Panels, TVs larger than 55”, bulky DLP Projection TVs, large printers & scanners, appliances (lamps, microwaves, vacuum, stoves, washers/dryers, refrigerators, air conditioners) light bulbs, sewing machines, anything pressurized, gas powered devices, smoke detectors, or electric toothbrushes. FGTC reserves to the right to refuse any donation at our own discretion. Check out the Reuse MN website to find out a place in your area that might be able to help with items that FGTC doesn’t accept.
Okay, I have a pile of stuff to donate. What now?
Stop by anytime time during our regular business hours!
Are donations tax deductible?
Heck ya. Free Geek Twin Cities is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Anything I can do to make your life easier?
How nice of you to ask! It would be amazing, but not required, to untangle cords and cable, attach power adapters and remotes to devices with painters tape, and avoid using plastic bags - we will reuse/recycle cardboard boxes, plastic totes and paper bags.
I know I could google this, but can you just put a link with more info on how to get to Free Geek?
Please scroll all the way down to the bottom to find our address and time. Thank you
Does Free Geek Twin Cities do residential or commercial pick up?
Nope. We don’t have a vehicle. Or a driver’s license. We were born in 2010 so it’ll be a few years until we can drive.
But what about……?
Give us a call or send us a message. We’d be happy to help you figure out the best way to responsibly reuse or recycle those hard to get rid of items.