Bronx-Based Non-Profit Gives Computers Second Lives

Per Scholas Offers New York an E-Waste Recycling Option with a Mission

NEW YORK, April 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rather than throwing away out-of-date technology, give it a second life with Per Scholas. Bronx-based non-profit, Per Scholas, offers consumers recycling and reconditioning of well-functioning computer devices that are then distributed to the community at the lowest possible price. Today New York State enacted a law requiring technology manufacturers to offer a free recycling program to New York state consumers. Per Scholas provides the community an e-waste recycling solution with a mission.

Per Scholas, founded in 1995, serves the New York City community through its computer recycling program, in which the best devices are reconditioned and distributed among the low-income community for the lowest possible price though Per Scholas community programs. Per Scholas collects computer devices from consumers and companies alike across the country. Since inception, Per Scholas has brought in $96 million of annual wages into the community and recycled 1,000,000 of tons of computer equipment.

"We are glad the E-Waste Law is being enacted in New York State," says Plinio Ayala, CEO & President of Per Scholas. "Not only does the law help to protect the environment, but, through Per Scholas' programs, it can also help benefit the residents directly. Doing good has never been this easy."

Under the new e-waste law, Per Scholas will also be registered as an Electronic Waste Consolidation and Electronic Waste Recycling Facility and will work directly with manufacturers of covered electronic equipment such as computers and laptops to maximize its recycling and repurposing capabilities and the benefit of the community.

Per Scholas is proud to offer the community a recycling resource that helps the community itself. Local and national companies are best served by Per Scholas as it can securely and completely wipe sensitive information from the well-functioning devices and easily recondition them for redistribution to the community or route them for responsible end of life recycling.

"Per Scholas is proud to be working with some of New York's largest companies, handling the recycling, reconditioning and redistribution of their outdated devices," says Damien Howard, VP of Business Development at Per Scholas.  "We help the companies as much as they help the community by helping them to dispose of their retired technology in an environmentally conscious manner while being mindful of their overall organizational objectives."

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a non-profit social venture dedicated to using technology to improve the lives of people in low-income communities. Founded in 1995, Per Scholas provides environmentally responsible recycling for computer equipment, redistribution of the devices to community members and a computer technician training program.  For more information visit PerScholas.org.

Contact:
Elizabeth Walton
617-513-3030
[email protected]

SOURCE Per Scholas