Reuse Assistance Grant Progress Report

West Contra Costa Integrated Waste Management Authority's Reuse Assistance Grant Project
(Part 1: May 15, 2003 to December 1, 2003)

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).

June 17, 2003: Initial meeting with Authority and Street Tech staff to discuss program implementation of Computer Apprenticeship Training (CAT) program.

June 30, 2003: Meeting with Authority, Street Tech, WCRR to discuss setting up the reuse shed at the West County Household Hazardous Waste Facility.

November 3, 2003: Meeting with Authority and Street Tech to discuss program progress, work plan and budget, and quarterly report. Task 1.1 is ten percent complete.

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).
A 20 foot shipping container located adjacent to the HHW is insulated and hardwired and set up for accepting and testing computer systems.

A 40 foot shipping container located at the IRRF is insulated and being used to store reusable computer systems and monitors. Task 1.1 is 100 percent complete.

Task 1.1.1: Utilize Container (Matching Services).
Both containers are being utilized.

Central Processing Units are being accepted and stored in the 20 foot container for testing, including 120 systems from Chevron/Texaco in Richmond and five systems from the National Cristina Foundation.

Computer monitors are being accepted and store din the 40 foot container, including 20 monitors from Chevron/Texaco in Richmond. Task 1.1.1 is 100 percent complete.

Task 1.2: Utilizing Recycled Paint Generated Onsite from the HHW Program, Paint and Connect Electricity to Container (Matching Services).
Both containers being used to accept computers are painted. Both are hardwired for electricity; however, the 20 foot container has electric access and at this time the 40 foot container does not, and is being used for storage. 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).
Initially, this item was a reimbursable expense; however, the computer shelving racks were donated to the program and the Authority is requesting that this item now be shown to be a matching expense, freeing up funds for other expenses incurred during the grant term.

The shelves are set up and being used in the 20 foot container. 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. Task 1.4 is 25 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.

One-hundred and twenty-five CPUs and 20 monitors were donated during this report period. Forty-seven computers were donated during this grant cycle, including 22 refurbished computers kept onsite for classroom use. Task 1.5 is 25 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).
With the infrastructure for the CAT program in place, the Authority will work on promotions, including coordinating bill inserts. Staff will work to promote the CAT program in conjunction with free e-waste collection events in June and October 2004, educating the public on proper disposal options and outlining the types of computer systems the CAT program is accepting for reuse. Task 2.2 has not yet been started. This task is anticipated to start March/April 2004, and is anticipated to be completed by June 2004.

Task 2.3: Coordinate Addition of Computer Reuse onto HHW Direct Mail and Newspaper (Matching Services).
With the infrastructure for the CAT program in place, the Authority will work on promotions, including coordinating addition of computer reuse onto HHW direct mail and newspaper advertising. Task 2.3 has not yet been started. This task is anticipated to start March/April 2004, and is anticipated to be completed by June 2004.

Task 2.4: Contact Largest Local Business to Solicit Computer Donations (Reimbursable Services).
Street Tech staff has solicited 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. Task 2.4 is 25 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 PC-Doctor Computer Diagnostic Software during this grant reporting period, software used for computer refurbishment. Task 3.1 is 25 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. Task 3.1.1 is 100 percent complete.

Task 3.1.2: Use of Symantec Ghost Corporate Edition (Matching Services).
Street Tech is furnished with Symantec Ghost Corporate Edition, allowing staff the capability of cloning computers. Symantec takes a snapshot of a computer's operating system configurations and can deploy that information to several other computers. 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. 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, 85,000 miles to transport computers from the HHW facility to the Street Tech refurbishment/classroom facility. A Car Fax Vehicle History Report was purchased showing that this vehicle has had no severe accidents, no odometer problems, no Manufacturer Buyback (LEMON) reported, and has had only one owner.

Registration and vehicle insurance fees for the duration of the grant term will be billed to the grant. Initial maintenance will be billed to the grant (i.e., purchasing new tires, vehicle service, and routine maintenance will be paid for by Street Tech.) Not to exceed budgeted $6,500. Task 3.3 is 80 percent complete.

Task 3.4: Computer Lab Benches for Refurbishment Work (Matching Services).
The Street Tech computer lab is set up with benches for refurbishment work. 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 17 A+ Jumpstart: PC Hardware and Operating System Manuals for students to use as part of the refurbishing process. Task 3.5 is 23 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. Task 3.5 is 25 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.

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. Task 3.6 is 25 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. Task 3.6 is 25 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).
June 13, 2003—Press release submitted by the Authority introducing the program ran in the West County Times. Task 4.1 is 25 percent complete.

Task 4.2: Seed Articles for Use in City Newsletters (Matching Services).
Now that the infrastructure for the CAT program is in place, the Authority will work on promotions, including drafting and submitting seed articles for use in City newsletters. Task 4.2 has not yet been started.

Task 4.3: Develop Article and Pictures Promoting the Success of the Program on the Authority's Web Site: www.recyclemore.com.
Now that the infrastructure for the CAT program is in place, the Authority will work on promotions, including developing articles and pictures promoting the CAT program on the Authority's Web site: www.recyclemore.com.

Street Tech's Web site, www.streettech.org, is being redeveloped to include a subdirectory linking users to information about Street Tech's Recycling CAT program. Task 4.3 has not yet been started.

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.

Street Tech staff attended and promoted the computer reuse program at the Council of Industries monthly meeting on Wednesday, September 20, 2003. The Council of Industries is a group of local large manufacturing companies who meet monthly and disclose Best Business Practices.

On October 10 and 11, 2003, Street Tech staff participated in a Computer Reuse and Recycling Event at Stanford University to assist Dell computers in accepting a mass of computers. The CAT program was promoted at this event.

Street Tech is the regional contact and local partner and representative for the National Cristina Foundation: www.cristina.org/. This status allow for Street Tech to have first stab at all corporate donations.

The Casey foundation received a large donation from Community Technology Foundation of San Francisco. Street Tech accepted 350 monitors for reuse from this donation, warehoused in Oakland. Task 4.4 is 25 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. Task 4.4.1 is 25 percent complete.

Task 5: Reporting.

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

• December 1, 2003—Submitted progress report
• June 1, 2004
• December 1, 2004

Task 5.1 is 33 percent complete.

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

• July 1, 2005

Task 5.2 has not yet been started.

Next Reporting Period

With the infrastructure for the CAT program set up, the Authority will work to promote the CAT program to the general public. This will present some challenges, namely 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.

The Authority was recently awarded a CIWMB HHW 12th Cycle Grant to fund four temporary e-waste collection events, two in 2004 and two in 2005. Street Tech will be onsite at those collection events to set aside components that would be reusable as part of their job training and education program.

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

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Last updated: June 25, 2008