In the Computer Repair Shop on the bottom floor of Feldberg Communications Center, lie stacks of out-of-date computer hardware. But this technology has not been set aside for disposal. Rather, it is part of the computer-recycling program under the supervision of the Brandeis University Information Technology Services (ITS) Computer Repair Shop. Rick Brabander, the shop's manager, is the coordinator of the program, initiated by the University in May 2001. Brandeis had a legal reason for doing this: It is against Massachusetts state law to deposit cathode ray tubes, found in computer monitors, in landfills. But the program has benefited many on campus as well.

Since the program's inception it has handled almost 1100 pieces of hardware. During the recycling process, both Windows and Macintosh machines are picked up from the departments that no longer need them, and are checked to see that they are in working condition. They are then reformatted with up-to-date computer software program and redistributed to different faculty, clubs, organizations and graduate students who don't have access to computers in their work areas. Recycled computers are also donated to charitable organizations.

"The ITS computer recycle program endeavors to give greater access to computer technology for members of the Brandeis community who could benefit from it," Brabander said.

Until two years ago, each department was responsible for buying new computer technology and relied on ITS to remove the dated technology when newer computers arrived. It is by virtue of this process that the ITS repair shop was able to acquire the hardware currently being recycled. But now, because Brandeis leases all new computer equipment without purchasing, the recycling program will be difficult to maintain, according to Brabander.

"(ITS) will have less opportunity to distribute used computers around campus in the future as the university has switched to leasing computers instead of buying them," he said, adding that the program is not accepting newer models of computers for recycling.

Brabander emphasized the critical role of his student workers in helping to coordinate the delivery, pickup, distribution, and reformatting of the systems. "Essential to the successes of the recycle program is the hard work of the computer repair shop student workers," he said.

The students and clubs receiving the technology are offered a selection of features. They have the choice of either Windows or Macintosh macintosh, as well as the installation of basic web browsing and word processing software. Brabander said ITS is not responsible for any other software or for any additional hardware repair costs. "As with all computers on campus, ITS will help with general tech support, but the repair shop is not responsible for costs if hardware repair is required," he said.

ITS will accept an old computer in just about any condition, Brabander added, and encourages students to donate their old systems after erasing everything in the hard drive. These students, however, are responsible for bringing their own computers to the ITS repair shop. Additionally, if a person or group on campus is not interested in having a particular model, ITS can make arrangements to donate them to local charities.

"If we can't find a home on campus for older computer equipment we will do our best to get it to a good charity," he said.

But Brabander stressed that recycled computers are not currently offered to students for personal use in their dorm rooms. This is mainly due to liability and policy issues that come from distributing computers that are property of the University.