Baltimore agencies to donate computers, equipment to PCs for People

Listen to this article

Mayor Brandon M. Scott and the Baltimore City Office of Information and Technology (BCIT) joined forces with PCs for People to coordinate an effort to collect and donate more than 900 computers and other equipment to low-income students and families in the city.

PCs for People opened in Baltimore last year and opened a storefront location in East Baltimore at 2901 E. Biddle St. earlier this year.

In 2020, Baltimore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the nonprofit PCs for People allowing city agencies to donate retired computers and electronic equipment to local students and families in need, rather than sending this technology to the landfill. The MOU also allows outdated and unsalvageable electronics to be recycled, with the proceeds benefiting PCs for People’s digital literacy programs, technical support services, and subsidized internet access.

Founded in 2008 in St. Paul, Minnesota, PCs for People works with more than 1,500 electronics recycling partners nationwide. To date, the organization has provided refurbished computers to more than 300,000 people, connected more than 120,000 households to low-cost internet, and diverted 8 million pounds of e-waste from landfills.

PCs for People’s services meet or exceed industry standards with certification for data security and sanitizing from the National Association of Information Destruction (NAID AAA), and are recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as responsible stewards of electronics, who provide safe and sustainable recycling practices.

Businesses and organizations interested in PCs for People’s e-waste recycling services can call 443-396-7247 or email [email protected].