FAQ

We’ve answered some common questions about donating and requesting technology.

If you can’t find the answer you are looking for please contact us.

Donating

  • Don’t have time to leave the office? No problem! We offer free pick-up for businesses and government departments for large donations. Please fill out our Pick-Up Request Form or send an email to DonorRelations@ReuseTechBC.ca to set up a pick-up. You can also drop your donation off at our Burnaby warehouse. We’d love to take a photo of your smiling face and give your organization a shout-out on our social media and our monthly blog!

  • Reduce the Digital Divide: Schools, non-profits, libraries, students, and Indigenous communities reuse your tech for learning and connecting. Without your help, they might not get the tech they need to succeed in today's digital world.

    Protect our environment: On average, reusing doubles the life of tech and protects the environment from e-waste. If your retired tech hasn’t reached its end of life consider donating as an alternative to the recycling depot.

    Prove your triple-bottom line: People. Planet. Profit. Show the world that your organization supports social and environmental issues in our community.

  • Computers and laptops need to be capable of running Windows 11. These devices are typically 8 years old or newer. Think about it this way—someone else is going to be using this device to complete assignments, access government resources, and video call with loved ones. Is your device capable of these activities? For more information on our minimum specifications, please visit our Donate page.

  • If you live in a different province, use this directory to find the closest Computers for Success organization. If you live in a different country, please find a suitable organization near you.

  • ReuseTechBC has strict data security protocols. As an ERRP-certified and an official Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher, we participate in annual audits of our procedures and take the security and destruction of your data very seriously. For more information, visit Data Security.

  • If the donated equipment is suitable to be refurbished and reused, we will do so. Our youth technicians and volunteers refurbish computers, laptops, and other tech, and then they are sent to non-profits, low-income individuals, and schools.

  • Yes! We accept cash donations to support our program operations or to help pay for a computer for someone in need. Head to Donate Cash or email MWaddington@ReuseTechBC.ca.

Requesting

  • We offer a number of different package options for different groups, ranging from $50 to $300. Please see our Request page or Featured Inventory to learn more.

  • Yes!

    1 box is a $30 maximum fee, 2 boxes is a $60 maximum fee, and 1 pallet or more is a $100 maximum fee. These fees apply per order. We recommend submitting all of your equipment needs on one form when possible.

  • All applicants for our programs must be based in British Columbia. Please go to our Request page, find the applicable program you are hoping to apply to, and read any eligibility requirements.

  • For organizations, an invoice will be sent after your order has shipped. We accept e-transfer, credit cards, or cheques. Any questions should be sent to Accounts@ReuseTechBC.ca.

    For Tech for Home, TELUS Internet for Good, and Connecting Families clients, you need to pay in advance to confirm the order. We will reach out to you for payment once your request is approved. We accept credit card payments over the phone or e-transfer (preferred).

  • There are three types of programs for individuals: Tech for Home, Internet for Good, and Connecting Families

    The difference in the programs is the client approval process and access to low-cost internet.

    Tech for Home:
    ReuseTechBC approves clients. No low-cost internet is available. Apply here

    Internet for Good:
    TELUS approves the client and provides low-cost internet. Apply here.

    Connecting Families:
    The CRA approves families. Low-cost internet is available. Eligible clients will receive letters from the CRA.

  • An operating system (OS) is the program installed on your computer that controls its most basic functions.

    We offer three types of Operating Systems:

    • Zorin (Linux)

    • Chrome OS Flex (Google)

    • Windows 11 *Only available with Executive devices

    Zorin is a Linux-based OS that operates very similarly to Windows 11. Zorin is designed to run smoothly on older moderate to low-end computers without software compatibility problems or other issues.

    Chrome OS Flex is a cloud-based operating system that requires an internet connection and a Google account to use. It is straightforward and beginner friendly.

  • Office software is a collection of programs grouped together to help users create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. Microsoft Office is a common type of office software.

    We offer one type of Office software:

    • Libre Office

    LibreOffice is an alternative to Microsoft Office which includes Writer (word processing), Calc (spreadsheets), Impress (presentations), Draw (vector graphics and flowcharts), Base (databases), and Math (formula editing).

    *Chrome OS Flex comes with all Google Applications already available and installed.