e-Waste & Technology Recycling Guidance

Solimar Cruzado Updated by Solimar Cruzado

e-Waste & Technology Recycling Guidance

All Boston Public School departments and schools are required to adhere to the designated process for technology disposal and recycling outlined in this guidance. Selling, recycling, or disposal of technology through other means is strictly prohibited. Our objective is to provide comprehensive e-Waste/IT recycling solutions that prioritize stringent data security and privacy standards while emphasizing environmental stewardship and sustainability. Please ensure compliance with the following guidance prior to submitting a Technology Recycling Request (Form 57). A representative from OIIT/BPSTechnology will reach out to coordinate logistics.

Assessment & Inventory

Conduct an assessment to determine if any technology needs to be disposed of or recycled. Provide a comprehensive summary of the technology, including the type of technology and quantity of each piece. Depending on volume/size/weight, requests may be postponed until an adequate stock is available. We strongly recommend including a photograph of the lot, as it will offer a visual representation that aids in our logistical planning and ensures we allocate adequate workers.

Data Backup & Wiping

Prior to removal, ensure that all data stored on computers, tablets, servers, and other devices is securely backed up and transferred to new systems or external storage. Boston Public Schools will implement data wiping procedures to permanently erase sensitive information from storage devices to protect student and school data privacy. Data will not be retrievable once picked up.

Point of Contact & Logistics

Designate a point of contact responsible for coordinating logistics. Apart from the school/dept leader, this individual will be the sole authorized person to release custody of assets. All items must be prepared and relocated to a centralized accessible location, away from fire zones or areas that may disrupt teaching/learning or pose risks to staff/students. Should any challenges arise, please communicate them in your request form. Kindly provide the room number/name, floor/level, and specify if stairs and/or elevator access are required to reach the technology. Understanding these requirements facilitates our logistical planning and ensures appropriate allocation of workers.

Awareness & Community Engagement

Familiarize staff about the importance of responsible technology disposal and recycling practices. Educate staff on how to identify and segregate electronic waste, as well as the environmental and health hazards associated with improper disposal. Organize electronic waste collection drives or recycling events to involve the broader community in the recycling efforts.

Continuous Improvement & Sustainability

Establish a sustainable technology management plan that includes provisions for regular technology assessments, upgrades, and responsible disposal practices. Evaluate the effectiveness of the technology removal and recycling process periodically and make adjustments as needed to improve efficiency and sustainability.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What items should I AVOID recycling or disposing of?
  • Laptops4Learning (L4L) Laptops - Please call the Service Desk at (617) 635-9200 to return.
  • Access4All (A4A) Chromebooks - Any newer HP Chromebooks or the Access4All@Home Chromebooks (logo etched on the top of the device) should be returned through your OIIT Technician. Older models can be recycled.
What items CAN be recycled?

*Please verify with OIIT prior to requesting removal of these items.

  • Audio/Video Tapes
  • Digital Cameras
  • Cables/Adapters
  • Cell/Smart Phones*
  • Chargers/Power Cords
  • Computer Mice
  • Computer Peripherals
  • Copy Machine*
  • CPUs (towers)
  • Data Cartridges
  • DLT Tapes
  • Docking Stations
  • External CD-ROM drives
  • External Modems*
  • Fax Machines*
  • Floppy Drives
  • Gaming systems
  • Hard Drives
  • Keyboards
  • LCD Flat Screens
  • Laptops
  • Main Frames*
  • Matrix Switches/Multiplexers*
  • Microwaves
  • Monitors
  • Office Printers
  • Overhead Projectors
  • Palm Pilots or other Handheld Devices
  • Power Supplies
  • Reel-to-Reel Tape Decks
  • Scanners
  • Set Top Boxes
  • Servers*
  • Slide Projectors
  • Smartboards
  • Small appliances
  • Switches/Routers*
  • Tablets
  • Tape Drives
  • Telephone Systems*
  • Televisions
  • Terminals*
  • Toner/Ink
  • Typewriters
  • Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)*
  • VCR/DVD Players
  • Video Recorders
  • Wire/Cable
  • Workstations

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