The charity seeks to make use of the vast numbers of unwanted computers that are scrapped in the UK each year – around 1.5 million, according to Computer Aid International.
The charity suggests that users donate Pentium PCs, which will be wiped of data to Ministry of Defence standards if need be. The proper disposal of data is an obligation on businesses under the Data Protection Act.
After re-conditioning, PCs and peripherals will be supplied to schools and community organisations in some of the poorest parts of the world. The only cost, says the charity, is a small contribution towards the collection of the PC.
The charity promises that if any equipment is donated which it cannot re-use by repairing or cannibalising, it will send it to be recycled, reclaiming all re-usable components, metals, plastic, glass etc.
"This means that even of the fraction of equipment that we cannot refurbish for re-use overseas, less than 5% ends up in landfill."
From August this year, the EU's Waste Electrical Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and the Restricting Certain Hazardous Substances (ROHS) Directive in electrical goods are due to be implemented in all member states. They apply to a wide range of products, including IT, telecoms, TV, video, hi-fi, electrical and electronic tools, toys, sports equipment and medical devices.
The WEEE Directive sets criteria for the collection, treatment, recycling and recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment. It makes "producers" responsible for financing most of these activities. Producers include manufacturers and resellers of equipment purchased outside the EU.
The DTI is currently consulting on the implementation of the Directives, with the consultation due to close on 1st March.
Tony Roberts, CEO of Computer Aid International, told Silicon.com:
"Computer Aid International can help by providing a viable alternative to costly decommissioning and recycling."
