http://boblothrope.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] boblothrope.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] davis_square2010-01-30 07:48 pm

Where to scavenge/recycle computers

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.

[identity profile] hr-macgirl.livejournal.com 2010-01-31 07:50 pm (UTC)(link)
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.

[identity profile] turil.livejournal.com 2010-01-31 08:00 pm (UTC)(link)
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. :-)

[identity profile] hr-macgirl.livejournal.com 2010-01-31 08:04 pm (UTC)(link)
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.

[identity profile] turil.livejournal.com 2010-01-31 08:09 pm (UTC)(link)
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.