Statewide Agencies Unite
In an effort to expand its reach, Folsom-based CALPIA Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Collection and Computer Refurbishment program has been approved by the Prison Industry Board to include two more facilities in Southern California. This increases CALPIA’S total locations for E-Waste collection to four centers throughout the state.
To provide a thorough and cost-efficient solution to IT issues plaguing California state agencies, CALPIA, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), the Department of General Services (DGS), and the California Department of Technology (CDT) have joined forces to develop a comprehensive e-scrap and surplus disposal plan. This collaboration was developed with the intention of creating an effective statewide initiative.
“This program will help reduce the amount of e-waste stored by state agencies while improving recycling efforts,” says Prison Industry Board Member and DGS Chief Deputy Director Jeff McGuire. “This program supports the governor’s and legislature’s goal of 75 percent recycling, composting or source reduction of solid waste by 2020 while doing so in a cost-effective manner, with no added to costs to any state agency, including CALPIA.”
CALPIA E-Waste Recycling & Computer Refurbishing, “is committed to protecting the environment and preventing pollution while maintaining a safe work environment in all of our activities and complying with regulatory and legal requirements. We are also committed to educating our employees about our environmental and safety program in our facilities and implementing our objectives and targets.” Moreover, CALPIA boasts that these capabilities make California a ‘safer’ place overall.
Inmates Gain Marketable Skills
Offenders taking part in the initiative will gain valuable career knowledge by mastering aspects of e-scrap recycling and computer refurbishing. The program provides the opportunity to learn essential skills that are marketable across multiple industries. CALPIA says, adding, “skills coveted in today’s job market that will help them find innovative employment opportunities when they return to their communities.”
In 2013, CALPIA launched its E-Waste Collection and Computer Refurbishing program in response to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s (CDCR) urgent need for assistance with its growing e-waste issue. Initially, two sites in Northern California were enlisted in the program. Today, however, that number has doubled with the addition of two locations.
Collection and Sorting
CALPIA’s On-Time Delivery North warehouse, located in Sacramento, is where electronic scrap is collected and sorted. All IT items received from state agencies that are unusable, are sent to local vendors who follow strict recycling regulations. However, when items can be salvaged, they are directed to another site, N.A. Chaderjian Youth Correctional Facility in Stockton. At this facility, juvenile offenders are trained in refurbishing and reconstructing computers using salvaged IT parts from the Sacramento facility.
Additionally, The California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) E-Waste Program picks up and refurbishes or recycles e-waste from offices/homes at no cost to individuals or businesses.
CALPIA Expands
The California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) has been authorized by the board to expand its E-Waste Collection and Computer Refurbishment program. This initiative will see the establishment of an E-Waste collection point at the California Institution for Men in Chino, and a collection point plus a computer refurbishing program, at Ventura Youth Correctional Facility in Ventura. Building upon the model being implemented in northern California, this expansion is set to benefit countless individuals while upholding CALPIA’s mission.
“This program plays a unique role in helping offenders give back to communities,” CALPIA general manager and Prison Industry Board executive officer Charles L. Pattillo says. “The computers they refurbish are provided to CDCR, county jail inmate programs, underserved school districts and nonprofit organizations in communities to help bridge the digital divide. With this expansion, we can now ensure that offenders statewide have the chance to learn these same skills and make a positive difference.”
Making a Difference
The California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) believes that it can greatly benefit the state of California through its E-Waste Collection and Computer Refurbishment program. Not only would this activity create cost savings, but it could also help rehabilitate offenders which in turn lowers recidivism rates and associated incarceration costs.
Serving 34 California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) institutions, CALPIA is a self-supporting state agency that runs over one hundred distinct manufacturing, service and consumable operations. Furthermore, the organization has established curriculum for incarcerated individuals with 124 nationally recognized certified programs.
CALPIA’s e-waste program provides a safe and efficient alternative for the disposing of California’s electronic waste. This advantageous solution is beneficial to many, and will have lasting implications on future generations.
