"There are upwards of 300 million computers... produced every year. All of these electronics become obsolete or unwanted, often within 2-3 years of purchase. This global mountain of waste is expected to continue growing 8% per year, indefinitely."

- BCC Research

Frequently Asked Questions

What does VTO do?

Collects unused and decommissioned technology equipment from businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals to be refurbished and recycled. Refurbished products are sold at significantly reduced prices to other nonprofit organizations in need of such equipment while all other equipment is recycled in a completely green manner.

Why use VTO?

You want to get rid of the techno junk taking up space in your office or home.
You want to make sure no one can access company or personal data on an old machine.
You want to make a local and green choice.
Prices are comparable to your local junk yard
You want to help local non-profit organizations.
You want to benefit your environment

Toxic chemicals in computer components include:
“Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition”

Lead and cadmium in computer circuit boards.
Lead oxide and barium in desktop monitors.
Mercury in switches and flat screen monitors.
Brominated flame retardants on printed circuit boards, cables and plastic casing. (release into the air).

How is data erased?

Data is completely destroyed from all collected equipment by trained technicians using the industry’s leading data destruction software. This software enables Valley Technology Outreach to easily, quickly and permanently erase and delete all data that is personal, confidential and critical on your hard drive. This method meets or exceeds U.S. Department of Defense military standards. It permanently deletes the information by actually overwriting all of the data on your hard drive up to 3 times - never to be recovered - so you can feel confident that sensitive information is completely eliminated.

Why should I use VTO instead of another computer recycling outlet?

Recycling your used technology equipment with VTO is both charitable and eco-friendly. By using VTO to recycle your equipment, you are guaranteed that your old technology will not end up in a land fill, your data will be securely destroyed, and you may be helping to support another area charitable organization.

Dell Computers will recycle any old PC equipment for “free” you just have to pay for shipping. There is no mention of data destruction or where the pieces go, but they also sell refurbished computers, so they likely mine what is sent in for workable parts. Apple will take back old Apples “with the purchase of a qualifying new Apple” . Their web site also does not mention data destruction or the final disposition of what they take in.

Many large “big box” retailers offer electronic equipment recycling programs. None give or sell reusable equipment to non-profits, and they likely make a profit on the resale of the equipment to materials recyclers.

Best Buy hosts “recycling events” on a regular basis throughout the country often (but not always) in partnership with a non-profit. They charge a fee (no specifics available), and part or all of the fee then goes to the non-profit. They likely also make money from selling the materials, and there is no discussion of data destruction.

How is equipment recycled that cannot be refurbished?

Equipment that cannot be refurbished is then given to CRT Recycling Inc. for proper green recycling. CRTR assures customers that they “are generally able to recycle approximately 98.5% of the material [they] accept”. CRTR offers a safe, green solution for all recyclable computer parts.

How much is this going to cost me?

VTO charges $5 for recycling large devices (monitors, computers and printers) over three years old. This price is the same as what the local dump will charge you, except recycling with Valley Technology Outreach is safe for the environment and can help others in need of technology equipment.