This TechSoup webinar is about procuring refurbished computers. Learn how you can get the computer equipment you need at the lowest cost while at the same time ensuring that you get high quality PCs that you can depend on.

TechSoup’s Becky Wiegand will interview Jim Lynch and Matthew Halden who run TechSoup’s GreenTech Initiative and Refurbished Computer Initiative, respectively. In addition, we’ll hear from Lisa Gunsauley from Redemtech, TechSoup's partner in providing high-quality, factory refurbished computers about standards to look for when seeking refurbished machines.

This recording covers:

• Our 8 tips for choosing a reputable computer refurbisher when you need additional computers
• How factory refurbishment is different from other types of refurbishment
• Experiences that nonprofits have in using refurbished IT equipment
• Why refurbished IT equipment is the most environmental way to acquire and use IT equipment
• How TechSoup’s Refurbished Computer Initiative works and how you can get the PCs you need from it
• TechSoup’s work over the years to help develop the computer refurbishment industry
• All about reputable end-of-life recycling – for when you need to dispose of IT equipment responsibly

This webinar covers basic to intermediate-level topics and is most appropriate for decision-makers, IT staff, and “accidental techies” who may be entrusted to make technology purchases for their organization. This intro-level webinar won’t go in-depth on topics about how to refurbish computers, network used computers and servers, or detailed technical specs for refurbished equipment.

This work is published under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 License. If you have any questions regarding redistribution or use of this work, please contact webinars@techsoupglobal.org.

Jim Lynch is TechSoup Global’s Computer Recycling and Reuse Director. He also co-directs TechSoup’s GreenTech Initiative. Jim has led and coordinated TechSoup’s work to help develop the computer reuse field over the last several years. During his 13 years at TechSoup, Jim has been responsible for developing all of TechSoup’s environmental programs including the Refurbished Computer Initiative. He also designed the Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) Program for the Americas in cooperation with Microsoft. He represents the electronics reuse & refurbishing field in national policy discussions, has organized six annual International Computer Refurbisher’s Conferences and has been interviewed extensively over the years on computer recycling and related issues by various newspapers, magazines, radio and other media outlets.

Matthew Halden has worked with TechSoup Global for more than 6 years, and is primarily responsible for managing product donation programs that have a hardware, refurbishing, and/or reuse component. These include the Community MAR Program for the North and Latin American regions, the Refurbished Computer Initiative (RCI) Program, and the IKON Discount Program.

Lisa Gunsauley, Director of Enterprise Accounts has helped to develop and grow Redemtech’s business over the last 10 years in the customer services, sales and sales management aspects of the business. Lisa’s responsibilities include services sales and delivery, client retention and relations, and market development. Lisa manages a team of Enterprise Account Executives that have expertise in the Financial Services, Banking, Telecom, Manufacturing, Technology and Business Services industries.

Refurbished Computer Initiative

• Refurbished Computer Initiative (RCI)
• Refurbished Products
• Guidelines and Restrictions

Redemtech

• List of Whitepapers
• Sustainable Computing
• Redemtech Blog

Additional Resources

• U.S. Government Federal Electronics Challenge (PDF)
• Green Technology
• How to Accept (or Refuse) Donated Equipment

End-of-Life Recycling

• Dell/Goodwill Reconnect Program
• Earth 911
• E-Stewards