Frequently Asked Questions

Get your question answered here like everyone else has asked!

So what exactly is this Technology Recycling Project?

It's a community service project that aims to teach the community about e-waste and its dangerous effects, and allow everyone to get rid of their e-waste in a safe, free, earth-friendly way.  It was started by the Environmental Science Club at Pacifica High School in April 2005 in the club's first year.  The project has grown into a countywide coalition since 2007.

Where and when will you be holding this?

In 2008, there will be four locations, on four days (two weekends) in January.  Click here for more information.

What can we bring to recycle?

Good thing you asked. Everything on this list (click here) and that list only. If you bring stuff like microwaves, ovens, toasters, and other consumer appliances, we'll be in a sticky situation - so please don't bring them. And please make sure you double-check that list!

Are you going to erase my hard drive or any other personal data on the computers I bring to this drive?

We would love to, but federal law says we can't. Only a professional can do that or you can do it yourself, too. Click here or here for more info on do-it-yourself clean-up or click here for ease e-waste's services. NOTE: None of our organizations are responsible for off-site links/utilities.  Use + browse at your own risk!!

Well do I really have to erase it?

Unless you work for the government or tend to have incredibly sensitive data you work with, chances are your computer won't have data about you that can be compromised.  It's always good to be sure, but normally people don't pick through these places looking for hard drives.  Again, if you want to be really sure, you can always go with the methods described above. Or... you could always whip out the hammer :-D

Are these donations to Pacifica or wherever else this project is?

No, we can't take donations.  We all have plenty of computers to fix as it is.  If it isn't working, come and dump it at our drive! If it's a pretty decent working model (you know, running Windows XP...or better yet.... Vista...or even better... Mac OS X!) and you think it might be of some use to our organizations, contact our organizations.

Will these organizations benefit from this drive?

Yes, all organizations involved will benefit financially from this drive.  So be sure to come out with your old tech stuff!!  Spread the word to friends and family, too!  This website would be a great start.

What happens to all this stuff after I dump it at these drives?

Our sponsor, ease e-waste, will take it back to their warehouse for processing.  There they will send it to a facility to grind up all the materials, sort them out, and sell to companies as raw materials for use again in new technology and other products.

What if I didn't and threw it in the trash, the "easy" way?

It would go to Asia and other developing countries and be burnt in the air, and there are harmful toxins that are produced. It might be cheaper to dump in their landfills, but it costs us all in our environment.

Is it really a $25,000 fine if I dump this stuff in the trash?

In many cases, yes.  Plus, most landfills here in the U.S. won't take this stuff anymore.  But really, we could go on and on forever about why you shouldn't throw it in your garbage anyway. Click here. Still don't believe us? Fine.

How much stuff can I bring?

As long as it is not company stuff, you can bring as much as you want within the drive time.  If you have 50,000 carloads, you might want to ask ease e-waste to help you out instead. If you are a company, you MUST contact ease e-waste.  Please do not bring your e-waste to these drives, per State law!

Can I volunteer to help?

Yes! We always need help. Click here for more information. You will earn service points/hours/credit.  Please make sure to sign in and out.

What if I'm not in high school anymore, and I'm not required to do service hours?

We need your help anyway. The more help, the better, always!

Can I host it at my high school, church, temple, park, etc....?

Most definitely.  The best time to do it would be right after the holidays in December. Please for more information about how you can help the environment through this unique way of recycling.

How was it started?

In 2004, Phi had seen an article in Computer Power User about e-waste and how eBay had its rethink initiative.  Because collecting stuff and sending it to eBay was not feasible, he researched other ways to get rid of e-waste, since he knew it was a big problem in the world.  This project was then conceived through the Environmental Science Club (ESC) at Pacifica High School.  ESC teamed up with the Technology Club on campus to help us with logistics and planning.  The then-president of the Technology Club then found ease e-waste through a Google search, and they were eager to help us collect Pacifica's collected junk.  In 04/05, it was a miniscule collection with poor response, planning, or logistics. Because of a very enthusiastic PR they hired (who is no longer with the company but whom we owe many, many thanks to) and Pacifica's legendary technology teacher (who later retired that same year and to whom we also owe an incredible amount of gratitude), the project was an overwhelming success in 05/06, where 250 people dropped off more than 33,000 pounds of e-waste at Pacifica.  To give you an idea of what that is, try 4 Uhaul trucks.  Full.

After graduating from Pacifica in 2007, Phi then scaled the project to a countywide coalition.  Currently, he is working with other organizations in order to expand this project to as many places as possible.  This coalition is a result of three years of intense work, research, and planning.

Can I toss my razor?

No... nothing outside of that list!

Please?

No. C'mon, this is technology, not hygiene! ;-)

Fine, who do I go talk to so that I can convince them that razors are technology and not hygiene (or I have other questions other than this)?

Uh... we don't know about the convincing part, but you can call (714) 881-3533 for information and connecting with our coalition and its partners.

I have another question!

But that's not a question.

So?

<< Will you please go back to the main page before this becomes chaotic? Or we'll byte your mouse!!! :-D
See you at our drives! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Wait, I have one more question!

Oh, fine.

Isn't this the dumbest FAQ you've ever written?

Probably.  Oh that's right, you probably don't know - I have no sense of humor.

Who are you?

A guy who has no sense of humor.

Is your head spinning yet??? ;-)