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Sequoya Technologies collaborates with the Region 14 Applied Technology Center to launch computer recycling program

Peterborough, NH – Sequoya Technologies Group has established a new partnership with the Region #14 Applied Technology Center (ATC) at Contoocook Valley Regional High School. The partnership will rebuild computers that have been retired from business use and distribute them to charitable organizations and Monadnock area residents at low cost. The first 15 computers were delivered to Gil Morris' Computer & Electronics I class on Tuesday, May 6th.

“We had a dilemma,” said Tom Strickland, president of Sequoya. “When our business clients retire equipment, they often don't have another use for it and don't know how to dispose of it properly.” Strickland explained data security is critical and clients are reluctant to give up control of equipment because of the potential liability if customer data is compromised. In addition, users don't know what can be reused, what should be discarded, and how to safely dispose of components that have no useful life left.

Under this program, Sequoya will take in client equipment and complete a high-security erasure of functional hard drives or physically destroy non-functional drives. Clients will receive documentation of the process listing equipment serial numbers and attesting that all data has been erased. The remaining components will be delivered in batches to the ATC where students can begin the rebuilding process.

At the Tech Center, Gil Morris' Computer and Electronics I and II classes will inspect the equipment to determine if it can be rebuilt and distributed, or whether it should be used for parts. The equipment that will be distributed will be cleaned and inspected for bad or missing parts. Any needed repairs will be made. Once the hardware is deemed “good,” students will install either a Microsoft Windows or a Linux-based operating system.

The rebuilt equipment will be donated to schools, libraries, and other nonprofit organizations in the community at no cost. Two of the initial systems are earmarked for the Pine Hill Childcare Center located at the Applied Technology Center.

It is also planned that some systems will be placed for sale in the ConVal Corner School Store at a nominal cost. A percentage of the proceeds will go to the store and the rest will be used to purchase parts and equipment for the continuation of the program.

“This exercise gives the students real world experience in PC maintenance and repair,” said Morris. “Plus, students know their work is going to be used by a real customer, so quality counts.”

The two ATC classes taught by Mr. Morris are using the same curriculum taught at the NH Community-Technical College at Stratham/Pease. As a result, the high school students can receive three college credits for upon successful completion of each class.

“This is a real win-win situation for everybody,” said Strickland. “We can take care of our clients by providing data security and dealing with their retired equipment. In addition, usable computer equipment is made available to the community, students get more hands-on experience, and a lot of toxic material is kept out of landfills.”