www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/news/2003/05may/050503computerrecycling.html
Kate Squire Economic Development Project Coordinator (510) 981-7537 City Center City of Berkeley (510) 981-CITY For Immediate Release Alameda County Computer Resource Center Hosts Facility Tour of New Home in Berkeley World Class Computer Recycling Company Moves to Berkeley Berkeley, California (Monday, May 5, 2003) Alameda County Computer Resource Center (ACCRC), one of the largest computer recycling companies in the State, is celebrating its opening with an Facility Tour on May 6, 2003, at 3:00 pm, announced Jennifer Cogley, the Eco-Business Coordinator for the Sustainable Development Initiative of the Office of Economic Development. The open house will take place at ACCRCs new headquarters at 1501 Eastshore Avenue, near Gilman in West Berkeley, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Highlights will include demonstrations of the organizations super computer as well as the ACCRC Internet lab. ACCRC recycles just about anything you can plug into a power outlet states Executive Director James Burgett. More importantly, ACCRC tries to fix the equipment and then donate it to people who cannot afford to buy similar technology. If the donation is beyond repair, ACCRC recycles the equipment in an environmentally friendly manner. ACCRC relocated to their new site, a 15,000 square foot industrial building, last month. The organization employs a total of 12 people and focuses on hiring low-income people from the local community. Each year ACCRC recycles up to 15,000 computers and donates an average of 100 computers per month to schools, nonprofits and low-income people. Additionally, ACCRC has become the City of Berkeleys contractor for computer recycling from the nearby Transfer station. Berkeley and Oakland cooperated on this exciting expansion for ACCRC. The move was initiated after ACCRC staffers found that it was difficult for people to access their old location in East Oakland. With the assistance of Berkeleys Office of Economic Development, ACCRC identified the Berkeley site located just off Highway 80. The new location solved the access problem for donors while also allowing ACCRC to partner with Toms Computer Warehouse, a local used computer retailer now sited just next door to ACCRC. In addition, the move meant that ACCRC could combine with Berkeley Neighborhood Computer, a computer recycling organization facing financial difficulties. Says Burgett, The folks at the City of Berkeley played an integral role in our move to Berkeley. Their assistance with the permitting process and finding sources of funding for our build out has been invaluable. Kate Squire, Economic Development Project Coordinator with the City of Berkeley says that she is particularly proud of this project. This organization provides a shining example of how economic development, social equity and environmental goals can all be aligned. Burgett says, We've been really busy ever since we opened our doors. Everyone is so happy that they can reach our facility easily including dropping off equipment on their bicycles.
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