About NextStep Recycling

History

Vision

Purpose

Mission

Process

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History

NextStep has grown from its initial beginnings as a Macintosh computer fix-it-and-pass-it-on resource into a thriving community service organization. Founded in 2002 as Computer Reuse and Recycling Center, a 501(c)(3) public nonprofit corporation, we are now known as NextStep Recycling. We implement our three-part mission through focused efforts in Lane County, Oregon, other areas of the state, and internationally. NextStep:

1. educates and empowers low income and disadvantaged Oregonians and others by providing refurbished computers that allow access to technology and the Internet;
2. recycles computer hardware and other electronics in an environmentally sound manner, keeping hazardous waste out of Oregon's soil and water environments;
3. provides skill-training opportunities to those who are considered unemployable, are currently underemployed, and/or are people new to the job market; and
4. offers education to the general public regarding the importance of electronics and polystyrene foam recycling and the impact of these kinds of waste on our environment.

Since 2004, NextStep has been steadily increasing its services and operations to accommodate rapidly expanding community needs, awareness, and donations. NextStep:

• accepts donations of computers and other electronic equipment, computer-related items, software, and manuals;
• refurbishes computers and other electronics and places them with people who do not normally have access to this technology;
• sells, at an extremely low cost, additional reusable items in our on-site Reuse Store; and
• sorts and dismantles unusable donations for recycling at appropriate local and regional facilities that meet our environmental stewardship standards.

Since 1999, NextStep has accepted donations of more than 550,000 computers and peripheral devices. In the process, we have put 32,000 pieces of equipment back into use in the community - including 10,000 refurbished computer systems and 22,000 items sold through our Reuse Store - and recycled over 800 tons of electronic waste (e-waste). More than 5,200 volunteers have donated over 136,200 hours of service refurbishing and recycling computers. Of those volunteers, 230 have enhanced their employment marketability through experiential service learning and extensive training by our staff.

Our Vision

NextStep Recycling seeks to create a network of people who are committed to the shared values of preserving our environment, working to bridge the digital divide, and enhancing the quality of life around the world.

Our Purpose

NextStep provides individuals and groups the opportunity to learn about the impact electronic waste has on our environment and to provide technology to those who do not have access. Access to computers and the Internet and the ability to effectively use this technology are becoming increasingly important for full participation in America's economic, political and social life.

Our Mission

NextStep recognizes that the ability to use technology is becoming increasingly important in the workplace. Jobs in the rapidly growing information technology sector pay almost 80 percent more than the average private sector wage! NextStep understands that social and economic injustice, racial and ethnic inequality, and ecological loss affect all people. Through cooperative effort, individuals of all cultures can experience and enhance their ability to make a difference in their community and their world. NextStep seeks to create a network of people and organizations committed to addressing the digital divide and the impact electronics waste has on our global environment.

By providing participants the opportunity to learn about the power of technology and the impact waste technology has on our society, NextStep seeks to assist human and community development. By creating a network of people and organizations, NextStep also seeks to enhance participants' impact on issues of local concern.

Our Process

NextStep Recycling receives donations of obsolete electronics, including computer hardware, (desktop computers, laptops, handheld games, cell phones, etc), household electronics (clocks, radios, lamps, etc), white (microwaves, stoves, dryers, etc.) and brown (stereos, VCRs, DVD players, etc.) goods. NextStep also accepts the packing and shipping materials associated with these items. Volunteers in our recycling warehouse receive education on the inner workings of computers and other electronic hardware as they participate in our dismantling program. Volunteers can also learn how to rebuild computers in our refurbishing program. After thirty hours of training, volunteers receive a computer to complete their education process. NextStep gifts computers directly to: children and adults living in foster care, persons experiencing disabilities, family members leaving domestically violent relationships, migrant worker families, under-funded schools and nonprofits.

NextStep is supported by the recycling fees received through the donation process, the sale of electronic scrap materials, and sales in our ReUse Store.

As of February 2007, NextStep has grown to include 18 employees, 21 volunteer staff and technicians, and 14 Lane County Master Recyclers, with an ongoing population of approximately 100 volunteers.