Legislation is Changed for Discarded IT Assets
To support those in need, the federal government has put forth legislation permitting the organization to provide excess and repairable second-hand devices directly to charitable refurbishers.
At the end of 2020, President Biden signed into law a substantial 2023 budget bill that contained an important update concerning how the US government can manage its discarded computers.
Prior to the enactment of the law, it was not possible for federal agencies to directly provide electronic equipment, including computers, in need of repair or refurbishment to third-party electronics refurbishers. Rather, they could only donate surplus IT equipment to states, which could then distribute devices to local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations.
Bill Specifications
U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., is supporting a legislative measure that would permit the installation of new provisions. This stipulation was formerly part of the “Computers for Veterans and Students Act of 2022”.
Corresponding to a press release from Abigail Spanberger’s office, the language will “allow certified, nonprofit refurbishing companies to directly obtain, refurbish and distribute surplus government computers to veterans and others in need of a device. Additionally, the new law requires each nonprofit computer refurbisher receiving computers to provide training programs in the use of this technology.”
As outlined in the bill, federal agencies have the responsibility to ascertain reparability and compliance with NIST data sanitization guidelines on surplus computer and technology equipment before giving it over to refurbishers. In return, refurbishers are obligated to make any necessary repairs on the devices without charging recipients, apart from shipping and handling fees, while also providing some form of computer training program.
Refurbishers will also “use recyclers to the maximum extent practicable in the event that surplus computer or technology equipment transferred under this section cannot be repaired or reused.”
GSA Creates Regulations
Congress has recently given authorization for the General Services Administration (GSA) to create regulations for the donation program. To be eligible, nonprofit refurbishers must adhere to these guidelines which include certification and safety standards. The GSA must also report on any foreign-owned refurbishers who have received federal equipment, to protect national security interests.
The GSA will also craft regulations “determining appropriate recyclers to dispose of surplus computer or technology equipment if it cannot be repaired or refurbished under this section.”
Recipients of the Refurbished Devices
Congress will soon receive a detailed report from the GSA showing how many computers have been made available to those who need them most. Specifically, this includes educational institutions, people with disabilities, low-income individuals, students, seniors, and veterans.
A goal of Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger is to close the growing gap between those with and without access to technology. As a result of Covid-19, numerous tasks such as job applications, educational opportunities, and hiring processes have taken a digital approach. This has disadvantaged homeless veterans, financially unstable households, and senior citizens that may not have access to a computer.
“After several years of pushing this legislation forward, I am proud to see it cross the finish line and be signed into law by the President,” Spanberger declared in a press release.
Overwhelming Support
Many organizations, such as Tech for Troops, Human-IT, Digitunity, and dozens of members of AFTRR (Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse), have expressed support for this bill language. Electronics recycling stakeholders are eager to bring about changes that will ensure sustainability for all.
The General Services Administration (GSA) has announced that they are now beginning the process of implementing a new law titled the Computers for Veterans and Students (COVS) program. According to a statement provided to E-Scrap News, the GSA will be consulting with stakeholders as they move forward with designing the plan and creating regulations.
“We look forward to implementing this new program to help bridge the digital divide,” The GSA wrote. These rulings will likely impact thousands of underprivileged individuals, giving opportunity to many, while supporting the circular economy.
