Recycling Technology, Empowering Communities

Reducing E-Waste Through Computer Reuse

Computer reuse can significantly reduce electronic waste in the United States by keeping devices out of the waste stream and extending their useful lives. With global e-waste already at 62 million metric tons in 2022 and projected to reach about 82 million metric tons by 2030, the opportunity to reduce this growth through reuse is substantial. Currently, only about 12% of electronic products are reused or refurbished before disposal, and less than 35% of e-waste is formally recycled, leaving the vast majority for computers at risk for ending up in landfills where toxic materials can harm the environment.

Limited Computer Access Among U.S. Households

2024 U.S. Census Bureau data showed that 17.7 million U.S. households—about 1 in 7.5—lack a home computer, relying only on smartphones or having no device at all. This included 13.2 million smartphone-only households and 4.5 million with no computing device, meaning 13–14% of households lack adequate computer access.

Our Solution

Recycled / donated computers are refurbished whenever possible and placed into the hands of local families, students and nonprofits who need affordable access to technology. Items that cannot be reused are recycled using R2v3 Certified downstream recyclers, fulfilling our no-landfill commitment and ensuring environmentally responsible processing. All data is securely wiped or the drive is destroyed; donors may remove their hard drives prior to donation if they prefer. We welcome computer equipment from both individuals and businesses.

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Our Mission

Empowering underserved communities by providing affordable, refurbished computers while promoting responsible e-waste practices through secure recycling.

Our Vision

Our dream is to create a digitally inclusive Greater Cincinnati where everyone – regardless of income or background – has affordable access to technology, empowering education, employment, and community engagement while championing sustainable reuse and responsible recycling of electronic equipment.

Our Incredible Team

STAFF

Cincinnati Computer Reuse Welcomes Our New Program Coordinator

Mon, Aug 17, 2026

The Board of Directors of Cincinnati Computer Reuse is pleased to welcome Kay Wade as our new Program Coordinator.

As our organization continues to grow, we recognized the need for someone who could help strengthen our programs, enhance the customer experience, and support the many volunteers who make our mission possible. We are excited to have found that person.

Kay brings an exceptional combination of technical expertise, project coordination, customer engagement, and technology training. Her professional experience includes leadership roles with Microsoft and Best Buy's Geek Squad, where she helped individuals, businesses, and educational organizations successfully adopt and utilize technology. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation for building relationships quickly, communicating complex technology in a clear and approachable way, and ensuring projects are completed successfully.

Her commitment to community service extends well beyond her professional career. As the founder of a Cincinnati nonprofit focused on technology education, a volunteer technology trainer for older adults, and a program advisor supporting the University of Cincinnati Clermont's Business Applications Technology program, Kay has consistently worked to make technology more accessible and empower others through digital skills and education.

"Finding someone with both the technical knowledge and the heart for our mission isn't easy," said Walt Fischer, Board Chair. "Kay has already demonstrated a commitment to expanding access to technology through education and community service. Her experience will allow her to step into this role with confidence and build on the strong foundation our volunteers, staff, and Board have worked so hard to create."

For more than two decades, Cincinnati Computer Reuse has been Recycling Technology, Empowering Communities by providing professionally refurbished, affordable computers to individuals and families, schools, nonprofit organizations, and other community partners throughout Greater Cincinnati. Every computer placed into service helps reduce electronic waste while expanding access to education, employment, healthcare, and essential online services.

Just as important as her technical background is her passion for helping people. Her experience guiding clients through technology adoption and expanding access to technology aligns perfectly with CCR's mission and the work we do every day.

The Board is confident that Kay's leadership, energy, and commitment to service will help Cincinnati Computer Reuse continue expanding its impact. As we look toward the future, we believe she will play a key role in strengthening our programs, supporting our volunteers, developing new community partnerships, and helping take our organization to new heights.

Please join us in welcoming Kay to the Cincinnati Computer Reuse family as we continue our mission of Recycling Technology, Empowering Communities.

CINCINNATI COMPUTER REUSE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Walt Fischer

Board Chair, Co-Founder

Retired Regional Sales Manager.

Peg Fischer

Treasurer, Co-Founder

Peg is a Retired Educator who was a Principal and Director of Special Education.

Colleen McSwiggin

Secretary

Colleen is a Coordinator at Sustainability Central.

Jeff Rauh

Member

Jeff has been involved with CCR for a decade in various board positions.

John Lierer

Member

Retired Network Administrator at Dohn Community High School.

Deante Smith

Member

Deante is a Law Enforcement Officer with the City of Cincinnati.

Tim Mecklem

Member

Tim is Managing Partner at Launch Scout.

Larry Porter, MBA

Member

Retired Marketing Director and Professional Development Program Manager, UC Center for Business Analytics.

Josh Lopez

Member

Josh is a System Administrator at Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Co.

Joe McGuire

Board Member Emeritus

Joe is a Co-Founder, Retired IT Services and Process Improvement Specialist.

Dave Ranochak

Board Member Emeritus

Dave is a Co-Founder, Retired GE employee.

founded in 2002

Cincinnati Computer Reuse History

Cincinnati Computer Reuse was founded in 2002 to address the growing educational technology gap impacting students, families, and nonprofits across Greater Cincinnati. The organization’s work began in 1997 through a volunteer-led effort that demonstrated how donated corporate computers could be professionally refurbished and deployed as complete computer labs in schools. This early success revealed both the academic impact of access to technology and the need for a dedicated nonprofit focused on sustainable computer reuse. Established originally as the Cincinnati Computer Cooperative, the organization built strong partnerships with local businesses, financial institutions, and the General Electric Elfun Society, which provided early funding, equipment, and facilities. Participation in Microsoft’s Registered Refurbisher Program ensured that every distributed computer included properly licensed software—an essential component for safe and effective learning. Over time, Cincinnati Computer Reuse expanded its services beyond schools to support nonprofits, seniors, and low-income households, ensuring students and families have reliable tools for homework, research, communication, and digital literacy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization adapted operations to meet urgent demand for remote learning, reinforcing its critical role in educational continuity. Today, Cincinnati Computer Reuse continues to empower communities by increasing access to affordable, dependable technology, strengthening educational outcomes, and supporting lifelong learning. As an active member of the Colerain and Clermont Chambers of Commerce, the organization remains committed to collaboration, accountability, and measurable impact throughout the Greater Cincinnati region.

Annual Report

Read our latest annual report on the work we have done for our community.

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IRS 990

Review our most recent financial filings with the IRS.

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513 Green Certified

Hamilton County Solid Waste District has recognized CCR as a 513 Green Certified nonprofit. This designation reflects the standards we hold ourselves to every day—responsible technology reuse, secure and environmentally sound recycling practices, and a commitment to reinvesting refurbished computers back into the community for households below the poverty line.

Candid Platinum

Candid Platinum status reflects our commitment to transparency and accountability, giving donors confidence in how we steward our mission and resources.

Your generous support creates access, fuels education, and opens opportunity.

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