Seattle IT’s Old Tech Drive, held in partnership with PCs for People on October 7 and 8 at the Seattle Municipal Tower, proved to be a fantastic partnership that offered Seattle employees the opportunity to upcycle their old technology and donate it to those in need, while also being good environmental stewards. By providing a convenient way for people to responsibly and safely dispose of their old tech, we made a significant impact, turning old, unwanted electronics into valuable resources and keeping harmful materials out of our landfills.
What we collected
Over the course of two days, City employees came together to drop off a wide range of electronic devices. This outpouring of support exceeded our expectations and highlighted the growing awareness of the need for proper e-waste disposal. The items brought will now either be refurbished to help those in need or recycled in an environmentally sound manner.
Here is a breakdown of the technology we collected thanks to your generosity:
- 44 Laptops
- 36 Tablets
- 60 Phones
- 4 Desktops
- 5 Monitors
Each device represents a step toward bridging the digital divide, providing students, families, and individuals with the tools they need for education, work, and communication.
A win for the environment
Beyond the tangible items collected, the environmental impact of this event is something to take pride in. Disposing of electronics improperly can lead to toxic materials seeping into our soil and water. By choosing to recycle, it directly contributes to a healthier planet.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- 705 pounds of e-waste were successfully diverted from landfills. That’s a massive amount of material that will now be handled responsibly instead of contributing to pollution.
- 825 pounds of CO₂ emissions were prevented. This is equivalent to what is absorbed by newly planted trees, highlighting how local actions can have a global impact on our climate.
Thank you to all who donated old equipment! We’ll keep you posted on the next Old Tech Drive, scheduled for early 2026.
This article was drafted by a human and edited by AI.