General manager Eva Macias said anyone can bring their computers, monitors, printers and small appliances to Pima Computer Recycling, and they will receive a receipt for tax purposes.

“We get about 20 to 30 people a day who drop off parts,” Macias said. "We also have a service where we pick up from businesses when they are getting rid of their computers and charge a $25 fee to cover the cost of gas."

At Pima Community Recycling Center, it either recycles or refurbishes donated appliances. For the computers that can be refurbished, which is usually around 25 percent of all donated parts, its employees clean out the hard drive and install Microsoft 2000 Professional.

Pima Community Recycling Center donates the refurbished computers to children in schools or puts them on the floor for sale for a small fee.

“The children are flabbergasted when we donate computers because a lot of the kids don't have computers at home, so they lag behind because they cannot complete their work,” Macias said.

For computers or appliances that can't be refurbished, the center recycles them with companies of federal standard and ensure that they do not end up in a landfill.

“We give it back to the community and try to keep the environment clean,” Macias said.

Macias said she believes that everyone should donate their computers and appliances instead of throwing them out since it is does not take much effort and can help someone more than they can imagine.

The University of Arizona does it's part by reusing computers all around campus.

Kate Rehkops, computing manager at the Office of Student Computing Resources said the service never throws away computers.

"When we're done with a set of machines, we identify what machines are in good working order and offer them to other departments on campus that will impact student access to computing," Rehkops said.

Rehkops said OSCR computers are usually replaced somewhere between three and five years. If the machines get too old to a point where they do not have a good operating system, they go to the Campus Surplus Office, which auctions off the computers.

Lanae Brody, a senior at the UA, said she feels the need to get rid of things before leaving college. Though she plans on keeping her computer and printer, she would definitely donate it if the option presented itself.

“I’d probably think to give it to my dad or brother first, but would definitely donate it if I was already aware that a recycling center would take those types of things,” Brody said.

Brody said she thinks donating is a great idea and would encourage others but wishes there was more knowledge and awareness.

“People would definitely be more inclined to donate computer parts and appliances if apartment complexes had a separate bin for them," Brody said. “The thought of having to personally take it somewhere to donate might turn people off."

Whether people are recycling, reusing or refurbishing anything, all efforts help make our Earth greener. Look closely for an organization that can find more use for an item you're ready to throw away.