Giving Old Technology a New Purpose

What do carrots, digital equity, and helping the environment have in common? In 2019, the US generated 7 million tons of electronic waste, with millions of computers, phones, and other internet-enabled devices going to landfills. These staggering numbers are not only a serious environmental concern, but a missed opportunity. As advocates and policymakers work to connect the last 20% of unconnected Americans, a significant obstacle is a lack of affordable devices. In the greater Denver area, this is where Community Computer Connection (C3) comes in. C3 has been refurbishing and rehoming technology since 2000. Local businesses, communities, and residents donate used computer equipment, and the C3 team then repairs the devices and provides them to charities, schools, and families in need. By equipping communities with affordable devices, C3 is helping Coloradoans overcome a significant barrier to digital adoption. But C3’s assistance doesn’t stop at handing over the equipment! C3 staff works with recipients to spread awareness of low-cost internet options and walks them through the application process to ensure they get connected. Thanks to C3, many Colorado students will head back to school equipped with technology that has become critical for the modern classroom. Thanks to refurbished technology from C3, students in Colorado test the energy levels generated by vegetables for a science experiment.