While working for a website-design business in Costa Rica, Charles Brennick made a discovery that changed the course of his life.
Inspired by the fact that a simple webpage could improve the economic and social condition of neglected groups, he hatched the idea to establish an organization that provides technological access to nonprofits.
In 1999, Brennick founded InterConnection Computer Reuse and Learning Center, a nonprofit that accepts donated computers and then refurbishes them for other nonprofit organizations.
In addition, InterConnection provides free computer repair and operations training to anyone who wants to gain computer skills.
Recycling, reclaiming computers
Located in a warehouse facility on North 35th Street, the Fremont center, which opened in August 2004, is filled with orphaned computer equipment looking to receive upgrades and makeovers before embarking on a new voyage.
During an average week, 25 computers are donated by individuals alone.
It is important that computer components are properly recycled because electronics are designated as dangerous waste and are generally banned from going to a solid-waste landfill.
"Monitors contain heavy metals and cannot be thrown away," Brennick cautions. "They must be properly recycled."
Most of the computers that InterConnection receives end up being reused. Volunteers disassemble the nonfunctional ones, and working components such as hard drives and network cards are used for upgrading other computers.
Monitors that do not work and hopelessly outdated computers are taken to Total Reclaim, a local electronics recycler.
Trips to the recycling plant involve more than just dropping off broken down PCs. Total Reclaim allows InterConnection to claim functional computers from the heap of discarded electronic equipment to refurbish and then redistribute.
"It is important to reuse a computer because they still have a lot of value for people who cannot afford to buy new computers," Brennick said. "Most older computers can be used to access the Internet and software applications."
In the last year, InterConnection has sourced and shipped nearly 2,000 computers to organizations, both local and abroad.
In addition to accepting donated computers and providing them to groups in need, InterConnection also offers computer training.
There are no restrictions, and each person who completes the 25-hour skills program receives a computer, complete with monitor, mouse and keyboard. Students learn everything from identifying basic computer components to how to install new hard drives and carry out diagnostic tests.
Brennick said some of the past graduates include a student who needed a computer for college, residents of homeless shelters and disabled citizens from CenterForce.
Reprocessing usable parts
While other businesses such as Office Depot and Staples offer electronic-waste recycling programs, InterConnection is unique in that rather than scrapping working computers, they reprocess the usable items.
"Electronic waste is a big issue," Brennick contends. "Businesses will often scrap working computers. It's a huge waste of usable computer equipment."
Businesses as well as individuals are encouraged to donate old computers to InterConnection, and there is no limit to the number that can be dropped off. The donation process is very simple, with a minimum of paperwork and only a modest recycling fee.
For example, PC computers are accepted at no charge while there is a $10 fee for monitors and a $5 fee for both printers and scanners.
The computer donations are tax-deductible, and a charitable receipt is provided.
In addition, all hard drives are removed and data is erased by using software that meets the standards of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Ecycle for Iraq
On Saturday, Feb. 26, Brennick spearheaded an event to donate computers to Kurdish schools in Iraq. InterConnection - partnering with Metrocenter YMCA and the King County Work Training Program - collected computers, televisions and other electronic materials during the one-day Ecycle for Iraq Schools event. The computers amassed at the event will be sent to Koiros International, a faith-based group in Iraq.
Rick Leatherwood, the director of the international organization, had researched public schools in Northern Iraq and discovered that most schools in the region did not have a single computer.
Often overcrowded, with up to 4,000 students at each school, the need to replace manual tasks such as bookkeeping was palpable. The Kurdish Minister of Education agreed that computers are integral to helping young Kurds adapt to the modern world, and the computers will be provided to schools where the need is greatest.
"It's hard to imagine a high school without a single computer, even for administrative purposes, but that is the reality of the situation there," Brennick said.
Having recently purchased a new computer, Gary MacDonald of Woodinville, had searched the Internet for a place to donate his old computer parts and, after learning about Ecycle for Iraq Schools, brought a box full of old components to the event.
"I like the fact that local kids gain experience in assembling computers, and then the Iraqi children will benefit as well," MacDonald said. "I'm happy that the computers will go to a good cause, rather than just being thrown away."
InterConnection is located in Fremont at 124 N. 35th St. For more information, call 310-4547 or visit www. interconnection.org.
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