April 23, 2007 1

presented by:

Ron NortonDirector & CEOComputerCorps

“Electronic Waste – Re-Use vs. Recycle ”

Managing the Life Cycle of Electronics: A Practical Guide for Agencies

National Environmental Partnership Summit 2007

April 23, 2007 2

PROBLEM#1

April 23, 2007 3

 • 70% of all heavy metals in our landfills comes from

eWaste 

• 40% of all lead in our landfills come from eWaste

 

Electronic Waste (eWaste)

April 23, 2007 4

US Statistics on eWaste Generated by Computers

 • 60,000,000 computers will be sold in the United States

this year • The US will discard more than 100,000,000 computers

each year for the next three years between 2007 & 2010 (estimate by IBM Corporation)

• 100% of these systems need to be kept out of our landfills

 • 60% of these systems can be refurbished and reused • The other 40% of these systems need to be recycled

April 23, 2007 5

PROBLEM#2

April 23, 2007 6

US Statistics Re: Student Access to Computers

• There are more than 55,000,000 K-12 Students in the United States

 

• It is estimated that nearly 15,000,000 K-12 students have no adaquate working computer in the home

  

April 23, 2007 7

Computer Literacy and Skills are a necessityin our knowledge-based economy.

There is a major problem with respect to our children in our nation . . .

Over 50% of low-income families with school aged children (K-12) in the United States have no working computer in the home

Lack of Computer Literacy and Skills in the United States

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1. Appropriate use of technology can help students achieve:

• Better grades• Increased scores on standardized tests• Increased school attendance• Improved school behavior

2. Technology can have a particularly significant impact on improved academic performance among students with lower grades or from low-income or rural backgrounds.

3. Home access to computers is an essential prerequisite for young people to get the full range of benefits that information and communications technology can offer.

National Studies Show That . . .

April 23, 2007 9

Without a Computer, the Results are:

DIGITAL DIVIDE

InformationHaves

InformationHaveNots

Technology Skills

Some Americans are connecting to the Internet at far lower rates than others, creating a “digital divide” among different demographic groups.

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THESOLUTION

April 23, 2007 11

ComputerComputerCorpsCorps.org.org TM

““Every Home Every Home ‘A’‘A’ Classroom”Classroom” TM

April 23, 2007 12

Our Mission

To provide access to computer technology and training for

under-served families, while eliminating electronic

waste in our community landfills.

April 23, 2007 13

Our Goals

1. To Collect donations of used computers, monitors, printers and other electronic waste (eWaste).

2. To Refurbish computer and other electronic equipment.

3. To Recycle unusable parts & materials in order to keep electronic scrap out of the landfills.

4. To Distribute refurbished and upgraded equipment to the community at little or no cost.

5. To Train individuals and volunteers to use, repair, upgrade electronic equipment.

6. To Support recipients and families and organizations with technical advice and service.

April 23, 2007 14

Our Focus

To Provide Computers & Skills Training to 6 Communities:

1. Low-income families with school-aged children;

2. Physically and other challenged individuals;

3. Displaced workers seeking new technical skills;

4. Technically challenged workforce;

5. Senior community of 50 plus;

6. Military personnel and their families.

April 23, 2007 15

ComputerCorps has developed a number of programs to return refurbished computers back to the community:

Computer Distribution

““Every HomeEvery Home A A Classroom”Classroom” ™ (Via Schools) 

““Every HomeEvery Home A A Classroom”Classroom” ™ (TechCamp)

““Every HomeEvery Home A A Classroom”Classroom” ™ (Via Volunteering) 

““Every HomeEvery Home A A Classroom”Classroom” ™ (Outlet Stores) 

““Every HomeEvery Home A A Classroom”Classroom” ™ (Via Non-Profit Organizations)  

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Delivery of internet ready computer systems to selected students at Anderson Elementary School in Reno, NV.

“Every Home A Classroom” TM (via Schools)

Our “Every Home“Every Home A A Classroom”Classroom” ™ (via Schools) program works with school districts to assure that every family with school age children

has an internet-ready computer system in their home. 

April 23, 2007 17

What ComputerCorps Provides

Each “Every Home “Every Home AA Classroom” Classroom” TM computeris a fully functional system with:

• Licensed Software Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP Open Office Suite

• Monitor

• Keyboard

• Mouse

• CDROM

• Internet Ready (Dial Up & High Speed)

NO

$

COST

April 23, 2007 18

What the Schools Provide

The school counselors identify students from under-served families that do not have a working computer in the home.

These counselors enroll the families who want to participate in the “Every Home “Every Home AA Classroom” Classroom” TM Program and then help co-ordinate the family’s volunteer service at the school.

The counselors help co-ordinate the “Distribution Day Event” when the computers are delivered to the school and are distributed to the students and their families.

April 23, 2007 19

What the Families Provide

In return for the computer system provided by ComputerCorps, each member of the family that uses the computer system agrees to:

Perform 10 hours of communityservice with the local school that enrolled the family.

An average of 42 hours of community service is being contributed by each family.

April 23, 2007 20

The following are a few of the benefits to the schools of the families that receive an ““Every Home Every Home AA Classroom” Classroom” TM computer system:

• Parent Involvement in the Schools

• Parent Involvement in the Child’s Homework

• Completion of Homework Assignments

• Reduction in Drop Out Rate of Students

• Communication via Email with Parents and Students

• Ability to Provide Online Training to Students

• Volunteer Service from each Family Participating

Benefits to the Schools

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The following are a few of the benefits to the families of the children that receive an “Every Home “Every Home AA Classroom” Classroom” TM

computer system:

• Getting to Know the School Counselors & Teachers

• Training From Their Children that Know Computers

• Opportunities to Be Involved in the School

• Keeping Their Children at Home to do Homework

• Ability to Access the Internet (when Connected)

• Ability to Upgrade Their Computer when Needed

• Technical Assistance from ComputerCorps

Benefits to the Families

April 23, 2007 22

The following are a few of the benefits to the school-age children that receive an ““Every Home Every Home AA Classroom” Classroom” TM computer system:

• Ability to Complete Homework Assignments

• Home Practice on Computer Skills and Navigation

• Practice on Reading and English

• Practice on Keyboard and Software Skills

• Communication with Family and Friends

• Ability to Use Additional Educational Software

• Incentive Not to Drop Out of school

• Ability to Access the Internet (when Connected)

Benefits to the Children

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• Donations from Businesses – 55%

• Donations from Individuals – 25%

Collection CentersDrop-off Locations

eCycle Days

• Donations from Governments – 20%

CityCountyState

Federal Tribal

Where Do Our Computers Come From?

April 23, 2007 24

Collection – “eCycle Days”

ComputerCorps hosts “eCycle Days” throughout the year at designated collection areas. ComputerCorps partners with local Cities, Counties,

“Earth Day” Events, “Clean & Green” Events, Schools and other organizations to provide support.

April 23, 2007 25

ComputerCorps is also developing Regional Collection Sites in Nevada and other parts of the country

Collection – Regional Collection Site – Carson City, NV

April 23, 2007 26

Refurbishing

Any Usable Equipment is Refurbished, Tested & Prepped for Redistribution.

April 23, 2007 27

Who Does the Work?

More than 2,000 volunteers have invested more than 250,000 hours of volunteer service to date.

Mostly Volunteers

April 23, 2007 28

The following are a few of the benefits to the volunteers at ComputerCorps who work on the “Every Home “Every Home AA Classroom” Classroom” TM

computer systems:

• Training on Computer Hardware and Software

• Opportunities to Help the Community

• Volunteers Earn Credits Toward Computer Equipment

• Opportunity to Develop a Career Path in Technology

• Ability to Upgrade Their Computer when Needed

• Technical Assistance from ComputerCorps

Benefits to the Volunteers Who Do the Work

April 23, 2007 29

In addition to providing computer systems to under-served families with school-age children, ComputerCorps’ ““Every Home Every Home AA Classroom” Classroom” TM

program provides a number of other significant benefits to the community:

• Training for Those who Refurbish the Systems

• Community Opportunities for Volunteerism

• Job Opportunities for Challenged Individuals

• Secure “Certified Data Destruction”

• Recycling of Electronic Waste (eWaste)

Additional Benefits to the Community

April 23, 2007 30

Computer Donation

Data Destruction

Refurbishment

Deliver to Schools

Distribute to Families

Data Destruction

Disassembly

Sorting

Recycling

Payment

Reusable?

(Yes) (No)

$ $ $

Refurbish Recycle

The Process

April 23, 2007 31

Total Value of Each System Delivered

Total Cost Per System $ 93.25

Volunteer Hours Used for Each System

(5.7 Hours Valued @ $16.86) $ 96.10

Equipment Value (Donated) $ 94.50

Total Value of Each System $ 283.85

April 23, 2007 32

Average Cost per System Delivered

12%

68%

4%

3%

6%7%

Pickup/Del

Refurbish

Test

Package

Distribute

Admin

Cost Category Cost /System % of Total Cost Pickup & Delivery $10.75 11.5% System Refurbishment $62.75 67.3% System Testing $4.00 4.3% Package System $3.00 3.2% Distribute to Schools $6.00 6.4% Administrative Costs $6.75 7.2% Total Cost per System $93.25 100%

April 23, 2007 33

Average Cost Per Family Member Usage

Total Cost Per System $ 93.25

Average Number of Family Members That Use Each Computer System Delivered

4.2

Average Cost Per Family Member $ 22.20

April 23, 2007 34

AdditionalInformation

April 23, 2007 35

Our History

The Idea Behind ComputerCorps

-

.

, .

In 1990, the co founder Ron Norton gavea computer to a 72 year old widowed gentleman. This event dramatically changed his life by providing him with an exciting new purpose for living. For the next 8 years, he spent hundreds of hours learning, teaching and helping other seniors learn about computers.

The ComputerCorps organization was formed in 1997 when a group of volunteers got together to help put recycled computers back into the community and not into the landfills.

The ComputerCorps organization is organized exclusively for charitableenvironmental and educational purposes

April 23, 2007 36

Our Results Since 1998 

More than 1.6 million computer items have been kept out of the landfills by refurbishing, reusing or recycling. This represents more than 4 million pounds of electronic waste.

More than 450 community organizations have made monetary and equipment donations.

More than 1,800 corporations and businesses have donated.

More than 3,000 private individuals have made donations.

More than 2,000 volunteers have contributed their time & knowledge to ComputerCorps.

More than 250,000 hours of volunteer time has been invested.

More than 7,500 computer systems have been upgraded, repaired and/or refurbished and returned back into the community.

More than 400 organizations and schools provided with services and/or training.

More than 125,000 training hours provided to individuals and volunteers.

More than 1,200 items collected for the ComputerCorps Museum and Hall of Fame.

More than $12,000,000 in repair, upgrade, networking, training, equipment and other services has been contributed to individuals and organizations by ComputerCorps.

April 23, 2007 37

The following companies/organizations are among many that have demonstrated their support of ComputerCorps through significant contributions of money, grants and/or equipment for refurbishing/recycling:

Harley-Davidson Financial $250,000+ Equipment and CashTRW $5,000 Cash DonationIBM $10,000+ Furniture and EquipmentGE Bently Nevada $50,000+ in Donated EquipmentSchwab Bank $20,000 Cash DonationSBC Communications $20,000 Cash DonationSouthwest Gas $20,000+ in VehiclesAARP $7,000 Cash DonationYMCA $10,000+ Cash DonationHarrahs Entertainment $30,000+ in Donated EquipmentCircus Circus $10,000+ in Donated EquipmentHilton International $20,000+ in Donated EquipmentCarson City $100,000+ Equipment and CashState of Nevada $500,000+ in Donated EquipmentState of California $100,000+ in Donated EquipmentNevada Department of Education $300,000+ in Grant FundingU.S. Department of Agriculture $50,000+ in Donated EquipmentU.S. Forrest Service $25,000+ in Donated EquipmentBureau of Land Management $175,000+ in Donated EquipmentU.S. Department of Justice $197,000 Grant FundingAmeriCorps $372,000 Grant FundingWashoe Medical Center $50,000+ in Donated Equipment

Key Organizations That Have Supported Us

April 23, 2007 38

www.computercorps.org

Our Website

April 23, 2007 39

Bridge the Digital Divide . . .

And Make a Significant Difference . . .

for the under-served families

in the United States.

ComputerComputerCorpsCorps TM

Help Us . . .

April 23, 2007 40

Our Contact Information

www.computercorps.org

ron.norton@computercorps.net

(775) 883-2323

April 23, 2007 41

Studies &Statistics

April 23, 2007 42

1. Learning Computer Basics & Navigation

2. Completing School Assignments

3. Using Educational SoftwareMath Science HistoryReading English Language Study (ESL)Art Music Geography

4. Communication (Email, Text Messaging & Chat)

5. Using Basic SoftwareWord Processing SpreadsheetsPresentations Databases

6. Playing Games

How Children Use Home Computers

April 23, 2007 43

Percent of public school first-graders who had access to and used a home computer, by selected child and family characteristics:

All First Graders 60%

Child’s Race/Ethnicity:White, non-Hispanic 74%Black, non-Hispanic 43%Hispanic 39%

Family Socioeconomic Status (SES):High SES (top 20%) 91%Middle SES (Middle 60%) 64%Low SES (Bottom 20%) 24%

Source: National Center for Education Statistics: Early Childhood Longitudinal Study,” U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, March 2003

The “Digital Divide” Begins at an Early Age . . .

April 23, 2007 44

To determine how access to computers and the Internet can help the children

in the U.S. succeed.

The Children’s Partnership Study – Purpose

Source: “Measuring Digital Opportunity for America’s Children: Where We Stand and Where We Go from Here,” The Children’s Partnership, June 2005

April 23, 2007 45

• 77% of children 7 to 17 from households earning > $75,000 use a home computer to complete school assignments.

• 29% of children 7 to 17 from households earning < $15,000 use a home computer to complete school assignments.

• Large gaps in computer ownership exist for minority groups:

National average 51%Black households 32.6%Hispanic households 33.7%No statistically significant change since

1998

• Educational experts agree that computers in the classroom aren’t enough. The single most important goal of classroom technology is to engage everyone with a stake in a child’s education.

Children’s Partnership Study -- Statistics

Source: “Measuring Digital Opportunity for America’s Children: Where We Stand and Where We Go from Here,” The Children’s Partnership, June 2005

April 23, 2007 46

1. Appropriate use of technology can help students achieve:

Better gradesIncreased scores on standardized tests

Increased school attendanceImproved school behavior

2. Technology can have a particularly significant impact on improved academic performance among students

with lower grades or from low-income or rural backgrounds.

3. Home access to computers is an essential prerequisite for young people to get the full range of benefits that

information and communications technology can offer.

The Children’s Partnership Study – Findings

Source: “Measuring Digital Opportunity for America’s Children: Where We Stand and Where We Go from Here,” The Children’s Partnership, June 2005

April 23, 2007 47

Studies such as the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education have shown that significant gaps

exist in computer ownership and Internet access in the U.S. based on:

Source: “Young Children’s Access to Computers in the Home and at School in 1999 and 2000,” National Center for Education Statistics.

• Family Income Levels

• Racial/Ethnic Groups

Children’s Access to Computers

April 23, 2007 48

Source: “Computer and Internet Use in the United States: 2003,” U.S. Census Bureau

U.S. Census Bureau Data

$100,000 or more 97.1%$75,000 - $99,999 93.6%$50,000 - $74,999 88.1%$25,000 - $49,999 74.3%Less than $25,000 47.2%

Total, All Incomes 75.7%

Households with a computer systemwith children 3 to 17 years old:

April 23, 2007 49

Black, non-Hispanic children (ages 3-17) 54.0%

Hispanic children (ages 3-17) 54.9%

White, children (ages 3-17) 88.2%

Source: “Computer and Internet Use in the United States: 2003,” U.S. Census Bureau

U.S. Census Bureau Data

Households with a computer systemwith children 3 to 17 years old:

April 23, 2007 50

Black, non-Hispanic children (ages 3-17) 54.0%

Hispanic children (ages 3-17) 54.9%

White, children (ages 3-17) 88.2%

Computers in the Home and Ethnicity

Source: “Computer and Internet Use in the United States: 2003,” U.S. Census Bureau

April 23, 2007 51

Source: “Computer and Internet Use in the United States: 2003,” U.S. Census Bureau

Computers in the Home and Income Level

$100,000 or more 97.1%$75,000 - $99,999 93.6%$50,000 - $74,999 88.1%$25,000 - $49,999 74.3%Less than $25,000 47.2%

Total, All Incomes 75.7%

Households with a computer systemwith children 3 to 17 years old:

April 23, 2007 52

Studies such as the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study conducted by the U.S. Department of Education have

shown that significant gaps exist in computer ownership and Internet access in the U.S. based on:

Source: “Young Children’s Access to Computers in the Home and at School in 1999 and 2000,” National Center for Education Statistics.

• Family Income Levels

• Racial / Ethnic Groups

Children’s Access to Computers

April 23, 2007 53

“Every Home A Classroom” TM (Via Projects Abroad)

ComputerCorps Donates Refurbished Equipment to Other Countries by Working with International Organizations such as Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis

.

Project Romania

Project Belize

Project Mozambique

Project Ghana

Project Ghana II

Project Ethiopia

Project Philippines

Project Mexico – Zacatecas

Project Mexico – Aguas Calientes

Project Mexico – Mazatlan