A2ZERO Electronics Collections

Sustainable and ethical technology disposal

Upcoming Collections

Stay tuned! There are no upcoming events scheduled at this time.

What is the purpose of electronics collection events?

This program collects unused electronic devices from the Ann Arbor community and prevents them from becoming waste by facilitating reuse, refurbishment/repair, and—as a last resort—recycling of these devices. Electronics collections are in alignment with strategy 5 of the A²ZERO plan: change the way we use, reuse, and dispose of materials.

Meet Comprenew, the City's electronics collection vendor

Comprenew is a non-profit IT Asset Disposition provider based in Grand Rapids, Michigan and is the only E-Steward Certified company based in Michigan. Comprenew’s mission is to “protect businesses, people and the environment from the threat of improperly disposed electronic devices through best practice technology data management, asset recovery and recycling services, while fostering job readiness and improving digital equity for at-risk populations in our community” (https://comprenew.org/).

Why E-Stewards?

The Basal Action Network created the E-Steward certification to ensure that electronics are disposed of ethically and sustainably. According to the E-Steward program, “the vast majority of all retired electronic assets are either dumped in landfills or processed in dangerous operations in developing countries. Many so-called recyclers are not recyclers at all but are primarily packers and shippers. They load your equipment and send it off on shipping containers to Africa or Asia — out of sight, out of mind. While illegal in most of the world, in the US it is perfectly legal to export hazardous wastes to developing countries where more often than not, it will be ‘managed’ in horrific conditions that has been described as a cyber-age nightmare” (https://e-stewards.org/).

Interested in learning more about the Basal Action Network and the importance of disposing your electronics with a trusted IT Asset Disposition provider? Watch this video

Frequently Asked Questions

Is registration required for electronics collection events?

Yes. Registration is required for these events. Registration fills up quickly, so make sure to reserve your spot! To be notified when there is an upcoming event, sign up for the Circular Economy mailing list.

Who will be handling my electronics?

Comprenew will be handling all electronics. For more information about Comprenew, visit https://comprenew.org/

Will my data be handled securely?

Comprenew will be handling all electronics and is certified to the highest standards in the electronics recycling industry. Comprenew holds NAID AAA, R2V3, e-steward, ISO 14001:2015, and NIST certifications, among others - all of which involve data security standards. Comprenew is required to properly destroy all sensitive data and operate with a tight chain of custody. For more information and a full list of certifications and what they mean, see Comprenew’s page on IT Asset Disposition and their page on certifications.

What do I need for check-in at the electronics collection event?

When you arrive at the location, a staff member will ask you for your last name to confirm your registration. There is no need to print anything to confirm your registration - in fact, we encourage you to skip printing to reduce your resource use!

What is the environmental impact of proper electronics disposal?

Electronic waste is the fastest growing solid waste stream globally, according to the World Health Organization. Disposing of your electronics thoughtfully is important for many reasons, including human safety, resource conservation, and pollution reduction. Properly disposing of electronics can also reduce carbon emissions. Approximately 80% of carbon emissions from computing devices come from embodied carbon (extraction, manufacturing, distribution, etc.), meaning skipping these steps by having new electronics manufactured from recycled electronics can significantly reduce emissions. But don’t be fooled! Disposing of electronics properly does not mean that you can buy new electronics without environmental impacts. Reducing consumption and keeping devices in use for longer is a more sustainable option than recycling and buying new devices.

What is the human impact of proper electronics disposal?

A significant portion (specific numbers are unclear) of US electronic waste is shipped internationally to be processed for recycling without adequate labor, environmental, and human health protections. This creates contamination and pollution of toxic metals like lead in communities around the world that already face unjust environmental and human health burdens. Proper disposal practices can not only mitigate negative impacts but can also benefit local communities. Comprenew’s Adults with Autism Recycling Electronics (AWARE) program is one example. For more information on this program, watch this video!

Do my electronics have to be in usable condition when I drop them off?

Comprenew takes items that are unusable, need repair, or are in working condition. Items like computers that are in usable or near usable condition may be refurbished by Comprenew and redistributed. Refurbished items are either sold by Comprenew or given out through their Connect All Michigan Program (CAMP), a program that provides computers to those who otherwise wouldn’t have access.

Are electronics collection events free?

These events are free with a few exceptions. The following items are FREE for attendees to bring to the event: