News - Recycling computers into schools

Recycling computers into schools

5 July 2005

New Zealand government agencies are donating their old and surplus computers to be recycled for use in schools.

The Computer Access Trust, Computer Access New Zealand (CANZ), which is supported by the Ministry of Education, oversees the recycling of ex-government computers into schools and to not-for-profit community groups.

There are two CANZ approved recyclers - The Ark in Auckland and Remarkit in Wellington. These companies have a commitment to providing suitably configured and warranted machines into the education sector.

These recyclers sell approximately 1500-2000 computers each year, moving around 4 million kilograms of computers out of landfills and onto desks.

Government departments are able to dispose of their older machines, providing quality computers at a minimal cost to schools and to non-profit community groups and community programmes that might not otherwise be able to gain access to this technology.

It also means that government departments can responsibly deal with the growing challenge of disposing of their computer equipment as they upgrade. And dispose of it in the least environmentally damaging way available.

Buying cheaper CANZ-branded machines gives school boards of trustees far more purchasing power, which means that schools - particularly those in low income communities - have far more chance of achieving desirable computer/student ratios.

Saving money on hardware also frees funds to be spent on software, professional development for teachers in computer use, and alternative education activities. Money saved can also be put toward new computers for high-end multi-media use.

For more information: www.canz.org.nz