Reuse Assistance Grant Progress Report

West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority's Reuse Assistance Grant Project
(Part 2: December 1, 2003 to May 31, 2004)

Project Description

West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority used their grant funds to remove reusable computers, monitors, and select other electronics from the solid waste stream for reuse in the community in job training and education programs. The Authority, through its oversight of the West County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, provided a location for the drop-off of reusable computer equipment, and Street Tech provided the technical skills, job-training, and refurbishing of the electronics to be able to put this equipment back to good use in the local community. Street Tech is a nonprofit organization providing low-cost computer training, certification, and job placement for deserving adults (ages 18 and up) from disadvantaged communities in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The steps required to accomplish their project are as follows:

Task 1: Develop, Configure, and Operate the Computer Reuse Drop-Off Center.

Task 1.1: Coordinate Grant Project Kick-Off Meeting, and Follow-Up Meetings with Authority Staff, Street Tech Staff, WCRR Inc. Staff, other Relevant Parties Including an Invite to the CIWMB Grant Manager (Matching Services).
January 26, 2004: Meeting with Authority and Street Tech staff to discuss program progress, work plan, and budget.

April 6, 2004: Meeting with Authority and Street Tech staff to discuss program progress, work plan, budget, and quarterly report.

Task 1.1 is 50 to 100 percent complete; ongoing meetings scheduled as needed.

Task 1.1: Coordinate Relocation of a Spare, Already Insulated and Hardwired, 40 Foot Shipping Container for Reuse as Receiving Station for Reusable Computers (Matching Services).
December 1, 2003 Report—Task 1.1 is 100 percent complete.

Task 1.1.1: Utilize Container (Matching Services).
December 1, 2003 Report—Task 1.11 is 100 percent complete.

Task 1.2: Utilizing Recycled Paint Generated Onsite from the HHW Program, Paint and Connect Electricity to Container (Matching Services).
December 1, 2003 Report—Task 1.2 is 100 percent complete.

Task 1.3: Procure and Install Multiple Five Foot, Computer Shelving Racks and Signage for Computer Receiving (Reimbursable Services Changed to Matching Services).
December 1, 2003 Report—Task 1.3 is 100 percent complete.

Task 1.4: Operate the Computer Drop-Off Refurbishment Center in Concert with Ongoing HHW and Recyclables Buyback Operations — Utilizing a Sale House Operator for an Estimated Two Hours per Week for the Two-Year Grant (Matching Services).
HHW operations are set up to accept computer monitors, CPUs, and peripherals on Thursdays, Fridays, and the first Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (closed 12:00 p.m.-12:30 p.m. for lunch). The HHW technicians have been notified of the CAT program and provided with information on what computers to accept for donation for reuse. The HHW technicians have been furnished with a flyer notifying them what computers are being accepted for the program and providing residents with alternatives for disposal if their units do not meet the minimum criteria.

December 1, 2003—Task 1.4 is 25 percent complete.
June 1, 2004 Report—Task 1.4 is 50 percent complete.

Task 1.5: Street Tech's Technical Intern will Inspect and Transport Select Computers from the North Richmond Computer Drop-Off Site to Street Tech's San Pablo Facility (About Five Miles Round Trip) for Refurbishment and Reuse (Reimbursable Services).
Street Tech's technical intern has worked to pick up donations of computer monitors, CPUs, and peripherals from local businesses, including Chevron/Texaco and the National Cristina Foundation. He inspects shipments, selecting units that can be refurbished for reuse and delivers them to the North Richmond drop-off site for further testing. He also delivers units for refurbishing to Street Tech for use in the classroom.

A total of 78 central processing units (CPUs) and 365 monitors were donated during this report period. There have been 80 complete computer systems and 200 monitors donated during this grant cycle.

December 1, 2003 Report—Task 1.5 is 25 percent complete.
June 1, 2004 Report—Task 1.5 is 50 percent complete.

Task 2: Promote the Center.

Task 2.1: Coordinate Placement of Promotional Text on Garbage Bills (Matching Services).
With the infrastructure for the CAT program in place, the Authority will work on promotions, including coordinating placement of promotional text on garbage bills. Staff will work to first get detailed information inserted into the bills and follow up with the insert text on the bills.

Task 2.1 has not yet been started. This task is anticipated to start July/August 2004, and is anticipated to be completed by September 2004.

Task 2.2: Coordinate Bill Inserts (Matching Services).
Staff planned to promote the CAT program along with their first free e-waste collection event on June 5, 2004 in Richmond Sanitary Services bill inserts. Further promotion of the free collection event has not been an issue as they have been inundated with sign-ups. Staff will revisit including a bill insert in Richmond Sanitary Services bill for the next e-waste collection event in October 2004, to also include CAT program information. Staff will also work with the City of El Cerrito Recycling Center to promote the CAT program through bill inserts in East Bay Sanitary Services bills.

Task 2.2 has not yet been started. This task is anticipated to start August 2004, and is anticipated to be completed by October 2004.

Task 2.3: Coordinate Addition of Computer Reuse onto HHW Direct Mail and Newspaper (Matching Services).
The CAT program was highlighted in the Spring/Summer 2004 City of El Cerrito brochure, direct mailed to residents. Staff will work with other cities to promote the CAT program in brochures and newsletters. Staff will also work to develop a newspaper advertisement promoting HHW activities in West County, including the CAT program.

Task 2.3 is 25 percent complete.

Task 2.4: Contact Largest Local Business to Solicit Computer Donations (Reimbursable Services).
Street Tech staff continue to solicit computer donations from the largest local businesses by mailing Computer Donation Proposals to PG&E, Wells Fargo, Charles Schwab, Chevron/Texaco, Berlex, Kaiser Hospital, Bio-Rad, Microsoft, Hal Kinion, and Manpower.

December 1, 2003 Report—Task 2.4 is 25 percent complete.
June 1, 2004 Report—Task 2.4 is 50 percent complete.

Task 3: Develop Refurbishment Lab, Train Community Students, and Refurbish Computer for Reuse in the Local Community.

Task 3.1: Procure Repair Kits, Tools, Supplies Necessary for Computer Refurbishment and Training (Reimbursable Services).
Street Tech purchased program tools and resources used for computer refurbishment during this grant reporting period, including CDs to burn images for systems and practicing installation, and cables and surge protectors.

Street Tech purchased a Dell Server 2500 SC to store and load new software and operating system images to the refurbished computers.

December 1, 2003 Report—Task 3.1 is 25 percent complete.
June 1, 2004 Report—Task 3.1 is 50 percent complete.

Task 3.1.1: Use of Advanced PC Repair Toolkits (Matching Services).
Street Tech is furnished with advanced PC Repair Toolkits, allowing staff to run diagnostic tests on desktop computers for troubleshooting purposes.

December 1, 2003 Report—Task 3.1.1 is 100 percent complete.

Task 3.1.2: Use of Symantec Ghost Corporate Edition (Matching Services).
December 1, 2003 Report—Task 3.1.2 is 100 percent complete.

Task 3.2: Telecommunications for Refurbishment Lab and for Internet Use/Testing of Refurbished Computers (Matching Services).
Street Tech is completely set up with telecommunications for the refurbishment lab, internet use/testing for refurbished computers, and a telephone line dedicated to the CAT program.

December 1, 2003 Report—Task 3.2 is 100 percent complete.

Task 3.3: Procure Used Pickup Truck for Transporting Computers from HHW Center to Street Tech Refurbishment/Classroom Facility (Reimbursable Services).
Street Tech purchased a 1997 Chevy Astro van (with 85,000 miles) to transport computers from the HHW facility to the Street Tech refurbishment/classroom facility.

Initial maintenance, including purchasing new tires and an initial tune up, was completed recently and will be billed to the grant during the next reporting period. Registration and vehicle insurance fees for the duration of the grant term will be billed to the grant. Routine maintenance will be paid for by Street Tech, not to exceed the budgeted $6,500.

December 1, 2003 Report—Task 3.3 is 80 percent complete.
June 1, 2004 Report—Task 3.3 is 80 percent complete.

Task 3.4: Computer Lab Benches for Refurbishment Work (Matching Services).
December 1, 2003 Report—Task 3.4 is 100 percent complete.

Task 3.5: Computer Education Books and Training Manuals (Reimbursable and Matching Services).
To supplement the CAT program and manuals in stock, Street Tech purchased 28 A+ Jumpstart: PC Hardware and Operating System Manuals for students to use as part of the refurbishing process.

December 1, 2003 Report—Task 3.5 is 23 percent complete.
June 1, 2004 Report—Task 3.5 is 50 percent complete.

Task 3.5: Street Tech's Technical Program Manager will Oversee Development, Operations, and Success of the Computer Refurbishment Project (Reimbursable and Matching Services).
The Technical Program Manager has developed the technical curriculum for the program. Student training includes recycling program information, including outlining the toxic components found in computers, the hazards associated with dumping, and safe work practices. The importance of the CAT program closing the loop and giving back to the community refurbished computers is also covered.

The Technical Program Manager reviews the curriculum and training procedures with staff who in turn train the students. Technicians are trained on how to wipe out a computer hard drive, triage, perform diagnostic tests, note system specs, install share ware applications and document their procedures with a check-off system. This process is involved and requires staff to go through stations to complete the various tasks.

Street Tech buys Microsoft licenses at a discount for refurbished computers. The Technical Program Manager, using the Microsoft Authorized Refurbishing Database, must report all licenses purchased and installed on each refurbished computer.

December 1, 2003 Report—Task 3.5 is 25 percent complete.
June 1, 2004 Report—Task 3.5 is 50 percent complete.

Task 3.6: Contra Costa College Community Instructor (Matching Services).
Jose Duarte is the Computer Apprenticeship Training Technical Instructor for Street Tech via Contra Costa Community College. This teaching position is funded by Contra Costa College through a separate grant to Street Tech. The CAT Class Schedule is Monday through Thursday, 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., March 21, 2004, through June 10, 2004.

Mr. Duarte has been in the education and training field for over seven years and worked in the technology sector for over 20 years. He is a professional engineer and supervisor with extensive experience in training and customer support committed to achieving reliable technology program results. He has proven effective at leading diverse teams and is fluent in Spanish. Some of the organizations he has worked with include Chabot College, Hewlett Packard, Cisco Systems, and Caminos Pathways. His passion is to empower people to understand technology in order to make their jobs and lives easier.

December 1, 2003 Report—Task 3.6 is 25 percent complete.
June 1, 2004 Report—Task 3.6 is 50 percent complete.

Task 3.6: Street Tech's Technical Intern will Assist in the Development, Operation, and Success of the Computer Refurbishment Project (Reimbursable Services).
Street Tech's Technical Intern provides technical support to the Technical Program Manager to ensure the success of the CAT program. The Technical Intern assists with staff training and researches information to continue to expand and develop the program.

December 1, 2003 Report—Task 3.6 is 25 percent complete.
June 1, 2004 Report—Task 3.6 is 50 percent complete.

Task 4: Promote the "Full Circle" of the Refurbished Computers Being Used in the Community.

Task 4.1: Create Press Release and Contact Local Press (Matching Services).
January 27, 2004—Street Tech and Relia Tech program featured in the Contra Costa Times article "PC repair program fixes futures".

February 17, 2004—The Street Tech program was featured on the ABC7 News Focus on Solutions segment with Willie Monroe.

December 1, 2003 Report—Task 4.1 is 25 percent complete.
June 1, 2004 Report—Task 4.1 is 50 percent complete.

Task 4.2: Seed Articles for Use in City Newsletters (Matching Services).
The CAT program was highlighted in the Spring/Summer 2004 City of El Cerrito brochure, direct mailed to residents. Staff will work with other cities to promote the CAT program in brochures and newsletters.

Task 4.2 is 50 percent complete.

Task 4.3: Develop Article and Pictures Promoting the Success of the Program on the Authority's Web Site.
The Street Tech program was featured in the Authority's spring 2004 e-newsletter, available online at www.recyclemore.com.

Street Tech's website, www.streettech.org, has also been redeveloped and includes a subdirectory linking users to information about Street Tech's computer refurbishing program.

Task 4.3 is 50 percent complete.

Task 4.4: Street Tech's Technical Program Manager will Promote this Innovative Program to their Students, Potential Clients, and Community and Business Partners.
Street Tech's Technical Program Manager promotes the CAT program to Street Tech students, potential clients, and community and business partners.

On January 17, 2004, the Street Tech computer refurbishment program was promoted in conjunction with the Grand Opening of Relia Tech, a social venture of Street Tech providing advanced, hands-on technology training, a transition path into the technology field, and employment for Street Tech graduates. Authority staff and CAT program students distributed information and answered questions.

On April 24, 2004 Street Tech promoted the CAT program at the 5th Annual West County Earth Day Festival in Richmond.

On May 22, 2004 Street Tech promoted the CAT program at the Saturdays in San Pablo Street Festival.

December 1, 2003 Report—Task 4.4 is 25 percent complete.
June 1, 2004 Report—Task 4.4 is 50 percent complete.

Task 4.4.1: Miscellaneous Marketing Materials, Office Supplies, Mailing Costs, etc., Supporting Street Tech's Computer Refurbishment Program (Matching Services).
All miscellaneous marketing materials, office supplies, and mailing costs are included during this grant term as a matching contribution by both the Authority and Street Tech in support of the CAT program.

December 1, 2003 Report—Task 4.4.1 is 25 percent complete.
June 1, 2004 Report—Task 4.4.1 is 50 percent complete.

Task 5: Reporting.

Task 5.1: Submit Quarterly Reports to CIWMB (Matching Services).

• December 1, 2003—Submitted progress report.
• June 1, 2004—Submitted progress report.
• December 1, 2004 (to be submitted).

Task 5.1 is 66 percent complete.

Task 5.2: Submit Final Report to CIWMB (Matching Services).

• July 1, 2005 (to be submitted).

Task 5.2 has not yet been started.

Next Reporting Period

There have been some exciting things happening for Street Tech and its program graduates with the grand opening of Relia Tech, a social venture of Street Tech, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Street Tech provides technical training and workforce development in low income communities of Contra Costa County—in essence "bringing technology jobs to the streets." Relia Tech provides advanced, hands-on technology training, a transition path into the technology field, and employment for Street Tech graduates. Ultimately, the Relia Tech social venture is designed to enhance Street Tech's impact within the community and provide a sustainable and growing source of income for Street Tech programs.

Jessy Gonzalez, the Technical Program Manager for Street Tech is now the CEO of Relia Tech. Randal Strickland will take on the role of Technical Program Manager for Street Tech on future reports.

With the infrastructure for the CAT program set up, the Authority will work to continue to promote the CAT program to the general public. This will continue to present the challenges of promoting the program in a way that limits the amount of "junk" computer units received.

Large business donations will continue to be a primary target for this grant as the CAT program is looking to train a classroom of students refurbishing similar systems. Street Tech staff will continue to promote the computer refurbishment program to large businesses in West County and will work to solicit large computer donations. Street Tech will also continue to develop the program, train staff and students, and refurbish and donate computers. The CAT program is looking to accept computers for reuse that will be of value when refurbished and donated.

Street Tech staff and students will be onsite at the first Electronic Waste Collection Event on June 5, 2004, to set aside computer components that would be reusable as part of their job training and education program.

*Permission was obtained from grant recipient to publish project profile.

Back to Top | FY 2002/2003 Recipients | FY 2003/2004 Recipients | Reuse Home

Last updated: June 25, 2008