Fun with E-waste Fundraisers!
Chris Rodinis
November 29th 2012
The popularity of E-waste fundraisers is growing leaps and bounds. One reason is the soaring price of commodities like gold, silver and copper. Reclaiming metals from electronics has greater yields than mining so there is obvious incentive.
The purpose of an E-waste is fundraiser is to collect as much old used electronics as possible. At the conclusion of the “drive” or fundraiser a nice result would be a tractor trailer size load of old used worn out electric and electronic equipment, gadgets and devices!
Next, this load of used electronics should be sold to a responsible electronic waste collector or processor. As part of the transaction an upfront pricing agreement is made concerning the material collected. Most of it will have a per pound rate and a small amount might yield something more generous but still at low wholesale price point.
The Funds Are in the Details
Consequently, all E-waste collected should be inventoried and weighed as the intake process moves along. Your donator’s may be given a price as part of attracting them to give you their old computer however, most people are participating not for the money but for the goodwill. Your donator’s should know that recycling is for the good of the environment and the safety of the community.
The recycling companies you use should be R2 or E-stewards certified. Certification means that no landfill dumping, no exporting, secure data destruction, indemnification by insurance, and OSHA, EPA, and California DTSC approved methods of recycling are used. Also, your recycling partners should help you work out the service and transaction details.
For example, note if there are any special requirements to the agreement such as minimums, learn too about what gadgets are acceptable and what is not. Discuss any shipping cost, exactly how much you can expect to be paid, and if they want to assist you in your marketing efforts. Perhaps they would link you to their site for promotional reasons!
Volunteers Needed!
As far as promoting your E-waste fundraiser you can recruit volunteers that believe in your cause. They can get the word out online and offline with banners, ads, fliers, and Tweets!
Any advertising presence you have in your locality will work and consider schools, libraries, stores, and places where people gather to post your signs.
TV and radio stations might give you a plug and the more shares and likes you get from Facebook and other social media the more likely a big turn out to your E-waste event.
If you need assistance in planning and conducting an E-waste fundraiser, please contact www.EwasteWiz.com