Where to scavenge/recycle computers

[boblothrope.livejournal.com]

Anyone know a place in the area where people can recycle and scavenge computers and parts?

I used to get parts from the computer recycling bin at the Cambridge DPW's Recycling Center, but recently they started enforcing their rule against taking anything from the electronics bins.

Comments

[turil.livejournal.com]

There are a few electronics recycling bins around MIT that are generally open and available to the public. There isn't usually much in them, but it's worth checking sometimes, if you're in the area. Or if you know anyone who's around MIT. There's been one on the fifth floor (I think, it's the top floor anyway) of the McGovern building (across Vassar Street from the Stata Center) near the stairs for a while, though I can't guarantee it's still there.

There're also bins in the mailrooms (http://web.mit.edu/workinggreen/reuse/recycle.html#elec), apparently, though I don't know if people are supposed to be taking stuff from them.

[hr-macgirl.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't take items out of TechnoCycle (http://web.mit.edu/facilities/environmental/reuse.html#technocycle) bins on campus. Unless you're part of the MIT community, you could be cited for trespassing and/or theft. Better to do it legitimately through the reuse (http://web.mit.edu/workinggreen/reuse/reuse.html) mailing list (and associated programs). Lots of treasure gets posted on reuse for free.

[turil.livejournal.com]

MIT buildings, in general, are open to the public. And these bins are out in the open. If you are cited for doing anything, it's more likely because some cop is having a bad day, and doesn't like the looks of you, not because you are doing anything wrong.

But sure, you can be cited for pretty much anything these days. So I suggest not leaving the house at all. :-)

[hr-macgirl.livejournal.com]

open to the public, yes, but there are signs on campus perimeter doors banning trespassers. I'm not saying a citation from a CP (Campus Police Officer) is likely, but nor would I advocate pulling items out of technocycle bins.

[turil.livejournal.com]

Having been around MIT for about 30 years, I can say that I've never ever had any problems with being harassed for normal things like recycling the recycling. In fact, it's mostly encouraged, and indeed advocated, my most MIT folks.

[boblothrope.livejournal.com]

You now need an MIT email address to subscribe to the reuse list. And I've heard stories of people getting hassled or possibly arrested for taking stuff in public hallways labeled with a "reuse" sign.

[boblothrope.livejournal.com]

That's a good suggestion for small stuff, but I'm most interested in desktops and monitors.