ACCRC is a non-profit environmental charity

We recycle household electronics and give away free refurbished computers to those in need to help narrow the digital divide. Since 1994 we have given away thousands of computers to schools, non-profit organizations and economically and/or physically disadvantaged individuals. Discarded electronics are reclaimed and refurbished in our training program where volunteers learn to restore computers for home, school, and office applications.

Got old computers or other electronics?

We'll take it! We will recycle anything that you can plug into a power outlet. This means we will recycle your computer, VCR, television, copy machine, and even your microwave and toaster, but not your large appliances such as a washing machine or refrigerator. When you give us your computer, you will receive a tax write-off, and we will attempt to fix your equipment and then give it away to someone who is unable to afford to buy a computer. If we are unable to reuse your equipment, it will be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner.

To donate your equipment, simply bring it to us during our open hours. No appointment is needed. Nothing is too old or too broken. Some fees may apply for certain types of material, degaussing and for non-local pick-ups.

Please note that we do not accept:
  1. Large appliances (think washing machine, stove, furnace, etc.)
  2. Appliances containing gas or liquids (air conditioners, fridges, oil heaters etc.)
  3. Household (alkaline) batteries (AA, AAA, C, D cells)
  4. Any liquids of any type

Know someone who needs a computer?

We give free refurbished computers to schools, non-profit organizations, and economically and/or physically disadvantaged individuals. Although our computers are all old enough that they were discarded by their previous owners, the ones that we refurbish are still perfectly adequate for most home, school, and office applications. Our refurbished systems all run a Free software GNU/ Linux operating system.

To apply for one or more computers, please print one of our three placement applications: school, non-profit, or individual, and then fax, mail, or bring us the completed form.

Want to volunteer?

We are always looking for volunteers to help us sort and palletize electronics. While helping us with this vital operation, you can learn how to identify various types of electronic equipment.

You can also come up to the North Bay and gain experience with repairing computers. Join our Tech Room that Refurbishes the incoming computers. You don't have to know anything about computers. You'll learn why they break and how to fix 'em; identify computer parts, pieces, bits, and doodads. You can also discover our installed operating system online: Ubuntu Linux

As mentioned, our Computer Refurbishment Program and Tech Room has transitioned entirely to Novato.

If you would like to volunteer in Berkeley, call us at 510-528-4052 or send an email to info@accrc.org If you are interested in our North Bay Tech room, please visit: http://mcrc.org

Fees

Fee List

We regret that we must charge minimal fees to recycle some items, provide our pick-up service, or wipe your hard drive. Although we prefer not to ask for any recycling fees, recent economic changes have made it necessary to charge small fees for some items. These fees ensure that the electronics you entrust to ACCRC for recycling are treated safely, correctly and responsibly.

Although it cost a little more, our electronics are NOT exported for treatment in countries with low environmental standards. Instead we send all our unrefurbishable electroncs to ECS Refining in Santa Clara, a BAN certified metals refinery which processes scrap electronics by shredding and separating the components, ferrous metals (steel), copper and precious metals, aluminum, and plastic. The steel and aluminum are recycled as metals, the plastic is recycled as plastic, and the copper and precious metals are sampled, prepared, and packaged for shipment to a primary copper smelter.

We accept cash or check.

Free Monitor & TV (CRT) Recycling

California's Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 pays us to recycle your monitors and TVs (CRTs) at no charge if they are from California.

Out of State CRTs are not qualified for free recycling

We charge $.50 per pound for unqualified CRTs:

  1. Monitors & TVs (CRTs) from outside of California
  2. Monitors & TVs (CRTs) with inadequate or missing source information, which is the name & address of the users of the CRTs.

Don't fret! Your CRT most likely qualifies, unless you snuck it across the state border or you went around collecting a bunch of random TVs and monitors lying around the street without getting the name and address of the owner. So, don't go around picking-up random CRTs from the street and we won't have to charge you for them. Instead, we encourage you to notify the local authority about abandoned monitors and TVs so they can be properly disposed.

Announcements

Holiday Schedule:

We will be closed on Thurs July 4th but open on July 5th and 6th

HARD DRIVE WIPING SERVICE FEE REDUCED! Now only $15.00 per drive.

Free Computer Program Progress:

Over the last 3 years we've given away over 1300 computers! When you donate a computer / or crt monitor, (or any electronics) it really helps our program and you can get a tax deduction out of it!

Donate

In addition to electronics, we also accept donations of actual currency :)

You can use the button to the right to donate online via PayPal, or drop something into our donation jar at our facility.

Pickups

We will come to your location and pick-up your electronic equipment. If you or your business is located in the City of Berkeley, we do not charge a pick-up fee. For elswhere in the Bay Area, please see our Fee List for details and charges.

If you would like to schedule a pickup, please call us at (510) 528-4052.

MCRC

Check out our sister facility, Marin County Recycling Center at http://mcrc.org