Lackawanna County recently said goodbye to several pallets’ worth of used computers and related gear.
But instead of sending it to the landfill, they sent it away with Sandra Ramos, the northeast account manager for national nonprofit PCs for People.
The organization collects computers, printers and other hardware, assesses its potential for reuse, handles appropriate data removal that might connect the equipment to its previous owner, then refurbishes the items. Computers that can be reused are donated or sold for a reduced price to low-income families and individuals who can benefit from them.
Through a partnership with the national non-profit PCs for People, Lackawanna County will recycle its used computer equipment, including laptops, servers and other devices. Thursday, PCs for People collected several pallets of the county’s equipment at the Lackawanna County Government Center in downtown Scranton. From left, Sandra Ramos of PCs for People, Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan, county IT technician Felicia St. Clair, county deputy IT Director Kim Kelly, and IT technician Robert Sweeney. (Lackawanna county / Submitted)
As of now, PCs for People has recycled more than 13 million pounds of electronics since it was founded in 1998.
Their website explains that they “specialize in refurbished laptop and desktop computers, internet solutions, and tech accessories at unbeatable prices for customers who meet our income guidelines.” They further identify themselves as “the only nonprofit Microsoft-authorized refurbisher in the U.S.”
The nonprofit’s mission is to “bridge the digital divide and ensure everyone has access to the technology they need to succeed.”
Mike Brown, the county’s chief information officer, said the organization carried away over 7 tons of the county’s unwanted computer equipment. Having PCs for People involved, he said, means the county will save money.
“This way, the county doesn’t have to pay for disposal, but they’re able to recycle anything that’s in workable order and bring it to anyone who’s in need of it for free or very low cost,” Brown said, adding those interested have to fill out forms proving income eligibility.
Brown said he hopes the group will come back to run a sale in the county for those who qualify and are in need of affordable computers and supplies.
“We’re trying to do two different programs in June and September,” he said. The county hopes to have one take place “at the end of school, and one before school starts.” He also said another potential idea could exist around organizing “something for the county businesses that may have devices they want to dispose of … so they could possibly get a new home and be revitalized.”
Brown sees the silver lining to partnering to move the tons of gray boxes.
“We all know that recycling electronics is a big undertaking,” he said.
Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan is optimistic about the program, which Brown played an important role in developing by establishing a relationship with the nonprofit.
“This is a fantastic program,” said Gaughan. “It not only ensures environmentally responsible recycling of electronics, but helps assure digital equity, which is a fundamental economic necessity in the digital age.”
Patrick McKenna, the Lackawanna county communications director, said the nonprofit “solved a major problem.”
“Everybody has a problem with disposing of that stuff, and you hate to throw it away,” he said, echoing that the program gets computers to people who need them and recycles materials. “It’s a good program.”
The nonprofit, headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, operates locations across the U.S., including one in Philadelphia, which serves as the sole physical location in Pennsylvania. There, according to the company’s website, users can buy computers ranging from $0 for a Linux system desktop to $30 for a Windows desktop and $50 for a Windows laptop. The store is open Thursdays by appointment only.
Through a partnership with the national nonprofit PCs for People, Lackawanna County will recycle its used computer equipment, including laptops, servers and other devices. Recently, PCs for People collected several pallets of the county’s equipment at the Lackawanna County Government Center in downtown Scranton. From left, Sandra Ramos of PCs for People, Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan, county IT technician Felicia St. Clair, county deputy IT Director Kim Kelly, and IT technician Robert Sweeney. (Lackawanna County / Submitted)
But others in need of computers are also in luck — purchases can be made online. “Upgraded Touchscreen Lenovo ThinkPad T490 i5 8365U” running Windows 11 were listed for sale on the site starting at $150.
Sales are restricted to customers currently participating in a government-based assistance program, or who have a qualifying household income of less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or 60% of area median income. For example, the 2025 federal poverty-level guideline chart on the website shows that a solo individual should not earn more than $30,120 to qualify, and a family of four should make no more than $62,400 annually to qualify.
To place an order, the nonprofit requires photo identification and proof of income-based government assistance program or documentation of the household income. Proof of citizenship is not required.