Computer Recycling Schemes available in
South Australia

Schemes available to South Australian community organisations and individuals:

• Australian Computer Society (ACS) PC Recycling Scheme
• Business to Community Recyclers
• Computer Technologies for Schools Project
• Green PC
• ITShare
• Smart state
• WorkVentures Connect

Background Information

Many members of the community are unable to benefit from the opportunities offered through Information Communication Technology (ICT) due to the cost of purchasing a computer.  The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that high income households are more likely to have a home computer than low income households (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2005).  Similarly, a recent survey conducted by the Department of Communications, IT and the Arts (DCITA) found that 40 per cent of non-profit organisations do not have an email address or immediate access to the Internet (Department of Communications, IT and the Arts 2005).  DCITA also report that one of the greatest barriers to ICT within the non-profit sector was cost.  

There are a number of programs within South Australia that are working to reduce this barrier for individuals, schools and non-profit organisations.  These programs provide low cost recycled computers to the community and have a two fold benefit, increasing the community’s capacity to access ICT and reducing the environmental impact of disregarded electronic goods, commonly referred to as  'e-waste'. 

Need help with your new computer?

Many nonprofits and schools don't have the time, money, or funding to use technology in all the ways they would like.  Technical volunteers can help fill the gap by assisting with technical projects and providing advice and support.

CompuMentor has developed a guide to assist community organisations and schools recruit and manage technical volunteers.  This downloadable guide can be used to assess technical needs and identify areas where volunteers can help, recruit technical volunteers and assess their skills, manage technical volunteers, document their work and find resources that will help your volunteers throughout the process.