We've been keeping an eye on this one since the spring and are happy to report that the HPECTC (Household Products and Electronics Collection and Training Center) is now open on North Branch.
They are collecting computers and related equipment, cell phones, paints, cleaners, solvents and other chemicals.
From our earlier post: This is an opportunity for Chicagoans to reduce the amount of material that would otherwise go directly into the waste stream, reuse items that can be refurbished and recycle the components that can be retrieved. More than 3.2 million tons of electronic waste ends up in landfills each year. Donating or recycling outdated electronics encourages the management of potentially hazardous components and supports the safe recovery and reuse of valuable materials.
Recycling or donating these items for re-use also helps reduce the pollution and energy use tied to the production of new electronics. Finally, it can put a computer, TV, or cell phone in the hands of Chicagoans who may need it.
Hours are Tuesdays from 7am to 12pm, Thursdays from 2pm to 7pm and the first Saturday of every month from 8am to 3pm. The address is 1150 N. North Branch Street (map below).
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I would like VERY MUCH to donate an old (2000) computer of mine but I'm a little nervous about leaving private info hidden somewhere on the hard drive. Does anyone know a surefire way to wipe clean a computer before donating it? I've heard about SYSTEM RESTORE but I'm not sure I still have the system start up CDs anymore...I know, I know, so bad!