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It’s one thing to understand all this, but quite another to give all groups in our society access to the ICT revolution. Though prices for new computers have dropped significantly, buying multiple sets in particular can be beyond the resources of cash-strapped schools and not-for-profit community organisations.

To help solve the problem, Computer Access NZ (CANZ) was set up in 1999. It was an initiative of the 2020 Communications Trust, supported by the Ministry of Education.

CANZ accredits computer refurbishing companies, which use the CANZ quality brand. This means they  share a code of practice and an acceptable use policy for branded machines.

Accredited refurbishers sell used equipment donated by commercial and government organisations, usually about three years from brand new. This equipment, all quality ‘name’ brands, is refurbished, upgraded as necessary and sold with a warranty and after-sales service. Prices are significantly lower than for new computers. Schools which have bought CANZ machines in the past have consistently found them reliable and good for several years more service. When CANZ computers finally reach the end of their useful life, refurbishers take them back for environmental recycling.

For many schools, a mix of new and refurbished computers can be a sensible approach. CANZ computers are cheaper than new models, yet they are network and Internet capable and handle almost all software used in schools today. (Some high-level graphics and video applications work better on new equipment.)

As well as being available for schools, CANZ recycled machines are being used in the Computers in Homes project, which is reducing the 'digital divide' problem in low income New Zealand communities by supplying families with computers, internet connections and training.

• Case studies of schools using CANZ computers – click the image below


• Frequently asked questions about CANZ and recycled computers

e-Waste


Not all older computers can be refurbished for continued use, or they may be so old and slow that there is no demand for them. They've had their day, but New Zealand has poor facilities for environmentally acceptable end-of-life disposal. Since 2005, CANZ has worked closely with the Ministry for the Environment and other stakeholders to help develop solutions to this problem. In 2005 and 2006 we published reports and recommendations, and in 2006 we partnered with Dell Computer to run New Zealand's first free pickup day for old computer gear. (Information and photos from this event are here. We were also the main driver behind the national eDays in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The 2009 event won the Supreme Award in the Wellington Airport Community Awards, over 40 other nominees. Read all about it here.

• Environmental impacts of materials used in computer production.

• CANZ response to the Ministry for the Environments 2009 'Waste Minimisation in New Zealand' discussion paper. Our comments have been widely reported in news media.

• CANZ comment on the 60 Minutes TV item 'Electronic Wasteland', broadcast by TV3 on 2 February 2009.
 

Contact CANZ:
Phone: 04-472 5518
Email: info@canz.org.nz

Last modified: 27/7/09

DONATE
Help close the digital divide by donating to the CANZ accredited recycling programme.

Click here to read about the donor programme.
 

E-WASTE

Click on the logo above to go to the website for  eDay 2009, when schools and households will be able to safely dispose of  unused computer equipment. It's being held on Saturday, 12 September.  Click here to read a report on last year's event.

• CANZ has been helping develop national e-waste policy since 2006, when  we published a major government-funded action report. Click here to download a PDF version.