e-Waste & Technology Recycling Guidance

e-Waste/IT Recycling Process:

1) Identify a Coordinator
Designate a point of contact responsible for facilitating the collection of IT for recycling and coordinating logistics. Apart from the school/dept leader, this individual will be the sole authorized person to release custody of assets.
2) Assess & Inventory IT
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. We strongly recommend including a photograph, as it will offer a visual representation that aids in our logistical planning.

Depending on volume/size/weight, requests may be postponed until an adequate stock is available. General rule of thumb would be a minimum of 10 pieces. Consumables and peripherals like keyboards, mice, cables, and toner should not be included in the count.
3) Backup Data
If necessary and 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.
4) Centralize Items
All items must be prepared and relocated to a centralized accessible location indoors, away from fire zones or areas that may disrupt teaching/learning or pose risks to staff/students. Kindly provide the room number/name, floor/level, and specify if stairs and/or elevator access are required to reach the technology.
Submit a Request
Please ensure compliance with this guidance prior to submitting a Technology Recycling Request (Form 57). A representative from OIIT/BPSTechnology will reach out to coordinate logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Items should I AVOID recycling?
Laptops4Learning (L4L) Laptops: Please call the OIIT Service Desk at (617) 635-9200 to return/repair.
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
Office Printers
Overhead Projectors
Palm Pilots or other Handheld Devices
Power Supplies
Reel-to-Reel Tape Decks
Scanners
Set Top Boxes
Servers*
Slide Projectors
Interactive Boards*
Small Appliances
Switches/Routers*
Tablets
Tape Drives
Telephone Systems*
Telveisions
Terminals*
Toner/Ink
Typewriters
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)*
VCR/DVD Players
Video Recorders
Wire/Cables
Workstations
Organize a Site/School-Wide Recycling Event
BPS Technology would like to work with you towards promoting sustainable practices and reducing the environmental footprint of e-waste management in your school/building. Coordinating school/building recycling events have several environmental benefits:

Efficient Resource Management: By scheduling a single cleanout event instead of multiple pickups throughout the year, you can manage and consolidate the collection of e-waste more efficiently. This reduces the overall transportation and logistical impact associated with frequent pickups.

Reduced Carbon Emissions: Consolidating e-waste pickups minimizes the number of trips required for transportation, thereby reducing carbon emissions from vehicles. It contributes to a more sustainable waste management strategy by optimizing resource use and energy consumption.

Awareness and Collaboration: Organizing a whole-school cleanout also raises awareness among students, staff, and the community about the importance of responsible e-waste management. It fosters a culture of environmental stewardship and encourages collaboration between different stakeholders to work towards common sustainability goals.

Continuous Improvement and Sustainability: Integrate continuous improvement into your sustainability efforts by developing a comprehensive technology management plan. This plan should incorporate regular assessments, upgrades, and responsible disposal practices for your technology assets. Periodically evaluate the effectiveness of your technology removal and recycling processes, making adjustments as needed to enhance efficiency and promote sustainability.

For more information about coordinating a recycling event, please reach out to Solimar Cruzado at scruzado@bostonpublicschools.org. As always, we're happy to help!

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