Electronic Recycling Gives Work to Disabled

As computers and monitors become outdated, Jericho High School recycles the materials, replacing them with updated models. The obsolete materials are then donated to a program called AHRC eWorks, a non-profit organization that provides jobs for the disabled.

AHRC eWorks is a program in Nassau County that provides e-waste recycling, refurbishment, and resale services for the community. Its mission is to teach, support, and advocate for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to make life choices, exercise independence, and develop responsibility.Tim Almeida, the head of Jericho High School’s Buildings and Grounds Department, was informed about this program through a mutual friend. This encouraged him to initiate the donation of Jericho’s outdated electronics to the organization.AHRC eWorks takes the donated equipment to its closed workshop, where workers dismantle and take valuable components out of the computers. Salvaged parts are sold in another market which pays for overhead costs and supports the workers.Many electronic materials can be recycled, and, if there’s any kind of value to them, computers can be revalued to be donated or sold for profit.

AHRC eWorks provides Jericho High School with a trailer, free of cost, which is used to store products to later be dismantled. Through this barter, the Jericho High School provides jobs for the disabled.

“AHRC has had a long-standing relationship with the Jericho schools,” said Aimee Keegan, an eWorks representative. “We would love to get more schools involved because we think it’s a great way for the community to not only be socially responsible, but provide meaningful jobs for people with developmental disabilities.”

AHRC eWorks has been providing a variety of services to local and national companies for over 30 years. A few other clients include Nikon, Estee Lauder, Verizon, the Food Drug Administration, and the Department of Motor Vehicles.