Why Purchase a Refurbished Computer?

Carbon Emissions Avoided

The single biggest benefit is avoiding the massive carbon cost of manufacturing. Research across 230 specific laptops found the averagecarbon footprint of a new laptop is approximately 331 kg of CO₂ equivalentduring production alone — meaning just three new laptops produce nearly a tonneof CO₂. Manufacturing accounts for 75–85% of a laptop's total lifecycle carbon footprint, with the remainder attributable to transportation and use. By choosing a refurbished laptop instead of a new one, you can save up to 85% ofthat carbon footprint — roughly 307 kg of CO₂ equivalent per device.

At a broader scale, the European Environmental Bureau found that extending the lifespan of electronics by just one year could save the EU 4million tons of CO₂ emissions annually.

Raw Material Conservation

Manufacturing computers is extraordinarily resource-intensive. According to a United Nations University study, a desktopcomputer and monitor require approximately 240 kg of fossil fuels, 22 kg ofchemicals, and 1,500 kg of water to produce, comparable to theresources required to produce a midsize car. Laptop production also uses around 190,000 litres of water and 1,200 kg of mined earth per device. Every refurbished unit avoids all of that extraction and processing.

E-Waste Reduction

In 2019, the world generated 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste, of which only 17.4% was properly recycled. Global e-waste is projectedto reach 74 million metric tons by 2030. Computers contain toxic components such as lead, cadmium, and chromium, which can contaminate soil and water when they are disposed of in landfills. Each refurbished computer is oneless device entering that waste stream.

Toxic Materials Kept Out of Landfills

Computers contain lead (which can cause brain damage), cadmium (which can damage lungs), and chromium (linked to allergic reactionsand liver damage). Refurbishing keeps these hazardous materials in productiveuse rather than allowing them to leach into the environment.

Real-World Program Impact

Digitunity's refurbishment efforts conserved enough energyto power about 4,545 U.S. households for a year, reducing emissions equivalentto taking over 2,672 cars off the road. They prevented the generation of solid waste equivalent to that produced by 5,229 households. Similarly, TechSoup's Refurbished Hardware Program has distributed more than 194,000 devices since 2006, generating more than $37 million in environmental cost savings, accordingto the EPA's electronics benefits calculator.

Donate to Free Geek Toronto

By donating your unwanted tech to Free Geek Toronto, you're creating the opportunity for that tech to be refurbished and reused. The more we can decrease our reliance on new devices, the larger impact we'll have on envirnomental impact of technology.