NextStep Recycling

NextStep has grown from its initial grassroots beginning as a Macintosh computer fix-it-and-pass-it-on resource into a thriving community service organization. Starting in a garage in 1999 and founded in 2002 as “MacRenewal,” NextStep Recycling has accepted donations of hundreds of thousands of computers and other electronic devices. In the process, we have put thousands of pieces of equipment back into use in the community and recycled over 20 million pounds of electronic waste (e-waste). Our mission is to provide technology and training to children and adults who have barriers to employment and education, while protecting our environment and community from hazardous waste. Specifically, NextStep provides individuals and groups the opportunity to learn about the impact electronic waste has on our environment and to provide technology to those who do not have access. Through our ePower Our Community Partnership program, NextStep gifts computers directly to: children and adults living in foster care, persons experiencing disabilities, family members leaving domestically violent relationships, migrant worker families, under-funded schools and nonprofits. More than 5000 volunteers have donated over 280,000 hours of service refurbishing and recycling computers. 10,000 individuals have enhanced their employment marketability through experiential service learning and extensive training by our staff.