Free Geek Opens in new window Toronto collects and refurbishes used electronics that are destined for recycling or disposal and offers them for resale at an affordable price. As a not-for-profit employment social enterprise, Free Geek provides employment and training opportunities by offering experience in technical software, technology, communications, and customer service work.

Computers and most electronics contain toxic materials such as lead, zinc, nickel, flame retardants, barium, and chromium. If released into the environment, these materials can cause damage to human blood, kidneys, as well as central and peripheral nervous systems. Additionally, when e-waste is warmed up, toxic chemicals are released into the air damaging the atmosphere, while when thrown away in landfills their toxic materials seep into groundwater, affecting both land and sea animals. This can also affect the health of the people in the developing countries where most of the electronic waste in dumped.

Free Geek Toronto is a completely volunteer-run, non-profit technology reuse social enterprise dedicated to making computer technology accessible to all while reducing the environmental impact of electronic waste. Launched in 2009, they provide low cost computers, offer green solutions to unwanted and end-of-life technology, and work with partners to increase digital inclusion in Toronto. They do this in two ways. The organization accepts donations of electronic waste, rebuilds and repairs and subsequently re-sells computers, monitors and other equipment at a very low cost. Additionally, they also offers computer and Internet training for beginners and intermediate users at reasonable rates.

Free Geek Toronto collaborates with local employment and social service agencies to help identify candidates who would benefit from its employment opportunities. It has received financial support in the form of grants and/or in-kind marketing through partners — such as the Toronto Enterprise Fund, The eBay Foundation and the Canadian Internet Registry Authority Community Fund — that has allowed it to continue to deliver its social and environmental mission.

Free Geek advances Toronto’s circular economy by:

- prioritizing reuse and refurbishment over recycling

- providing capacity building for computer software and technology refurbishment and repair.

Free Geek Toronto has so far refurbished over 2,000 computers, for an equivalent of 100 tonnes of e-waste recycled. The organization makes between $50k and $100k from computer sales, recycling income, training and funding and hopes to pass the $100k mark going forward as they build a new location in the city. On average, 75% of employees gained opportunities afterwards and 5-8 job positions sustained over 4 years.