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Free Geek’s mission is to sustainably reuse technology, enable digital access, and provide education to create a community that empowers people to realize their potential.
At the turn of the millennium, Free Geek was founded to create digital equity through environmental sustainability.
Computers help us in many ways, but the move toward a digital future isn’t without its share of hurdles. Many individuals lack the resources necessary to purchase a computer or get the training required to use digital technology. At same time, the rapid pace of technology consumption and turnover means that over 2 million tons of hazardous e-waste is created each year in the United States.
Free Geek’s goal is to divert technology that would otherwise be recycled or thrown away, refurbish it, and give it back to our community at no or low cost.
Services We Offer
Free Geek aims to provide the following services to those in the Portland metro area:
Community Programs
- Free computers in exchange for community service
- Computers for K-12 students
- Community classes on digital skills like graphic design, online safety, and programming
- TECHS Academy, a free multi-week training on computer troubleshooting, hardware and software
- Hardware grants to nonprofits and community change organizations
- Low-cost computers and accessories offered through our store
- Internships providing valuable hands-on experience
Business Services
How Free Geek Works
Free Geek accepts donations of computers and other electronics at our Portland facility. We take data security seriously — that’s why everything that comes through our doors goes through a strict data destruction process.
We reuse as much technology as we can by giving it a new lease on life through one of our many community programs. These programs provide volunteers, nonprofits, and community change organizations with free, refurbished technology. The Free Geek Store also makes computers and accessories available for the community at affordable prices.
Items and components that can’t be reused or sold are recycled according to the highest ethical and environmental standards.
"Free Geek embodies the spirit and merits of 'reduce, re-use, recycle.' By providing a way to pass along unneeded electronics items and get them into the hands of other local consumers who have use for them, we avoid a lot of waste and landfill fodder. Everyone wins. Even the planet."