Got an old computer lying around? Bring it to our booth at the Artisan Market from 9am-2pm on Saturdays.
- Watch us disassemble your hard drive and run magnets over the platters so you know your data has been securely destroyed!
- Depending on the age of the computer, we’ll either use it as part of our open source server cluster, or take it apart for e-waste recycling.
- We’re fairly obsessive recycling nerds, and we’re committed to making sure that every piece of the computers we take in gets used to its highest potential
- Computers are full of useful parts that can be harvested and re-purposed as is:
- We use fans from cases and power supplies to build low power, extra-quiet Corsi-Rosenthal-style air purifiers.
- Switches, LEDs, motors, and other simple electrical parts are saved for the Tinkerers’ Guild
- Gears and other parts with aesthetic value to them are saved for the Crafters’ Guild
- Steel parts get recycled through the White Lake Solid Waste Authority
- Aluminum and copper parts, as well as low-grade circuit boards, are sold to Padnos Recyling in Muskegon, with the proceeds going to fund Montague Commoners programs.
- Higher-grade circuit boards are carefully sorted for maximum value and sold to specialty recyclers, with the proceeds going to fund Montague Commoners programs.
- We haven’t been able to find a local recycler for the ABS plastic that makes up many computer cases, but once we have the right equipment and space, we hope to start recycling it ourselves.
- Computers are full of useful parts that can be harvested and re-purposed as is:
Montague Commoners 