How Give IT Get IT Recycles Technology

Learn about how we recycle technology: At Give IT Get IT, we partner with corporations, non-profit organizations, and our local communities to ethically recycle and repurpose technology. Through these partnerships, we reduce e-waste and provide essential access to digital tools. 

Here’s how our process works:

Corporate and Community Partnerships

We collaborate with businesses, nonprofits, and local communities to collect surplus tech in bulk.  

• Corporate Clients: Companies like IDEXX Laboratories, Bangor Savings Bank, and Sappi regularly donate used devices. Bangor Savings Bank, for example, benefits from our secure data destruction services while lowering disposal costs. This “white-glove” process ensures the bank meets sustainability goals while minimizing disruptions to its employees
• Community Drives: Our drop-off is open to the public, 24/7, 365 days per year. We offer free device collections at our Waterville, Maine, facility, making it easy for individuals and small businesses to donate old equipment. These events promote both environmental responsibility and digital inclusion.  
• SNAPSHOT: In the last 12 months, we received over 59,000 devices weighing 944,000 pounds. Of those 59,000 devices, we diverted 17,000 units to reuse for environmental and community benefit.

Data Security

Every donated device undergoes secure data erasure or destruction, meeting the highest industry standards. Whether from businesses or individuals, we guarantee data privacy and protection throughout the process.

Learn more about our data security here.

Sorting and Testing 

Once collected, devices are carefully sorted and tested. Those with potential are refurbished, while the rest are responsibly recycled to recover valuable materials with minimal environmental impact.

Refurbishing 

Functional devices are repaired and updated by our expert technicians. These refurbished devices are then distributed to individuals, nonprofits, and families in need, promoting access to education, employment tools, and essential services. For example, a donation of refurbished computers to the Bingham Union Library led to increased library visits and boosted learning opportunities for students. 

Quick Fact: In the last 12 months, we refurbished and redistributed more than 2,000 personal computers to families in need and nonprofits with technical support throughout Northern New England

Responsible Recycling

Non-repairable devices are dismantled, and their components—like metals and plastics—are recycled to international environmental standards. In the last 12 months, the 865,000 pounds of actual ‘waste’ left from this process of reuse was processed using third party certified best practices with zero landfill goals. Nothing useful ends up in a landfill. \

Learn more about eco-friendly recycling at give IT. get IT.

Empowering Through Access

Our program bridges the digital divide by providing devices to underserved individuals and nonprofits at low or no cost. To date, we’ve processed over ten million pounds of tech, diverting it from waste streams to provide access to technology for more than 25,000 people across Maine and New England.

Read more about our overall services and mission.

Want to see examples in action? 

1. Read about our Build IT program
2. Learn about Susanne and how she helped students in the Strive U Program
3. Read about our role in the circular economy.

By recycling with Give IT Get IT, you’re helping to reduce the e-waste problem while empowering our community with access to technology they need. Together, we’re transforming old tech into new opportunities!  

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Computer Recycling – Responsible Disposal and Recycling Solutions