Assanka is getting pretty old for a technology company these days, and we’re starting to replace a lot of our old equipment. It still works, but we need the latest hardware for our projects, so it seems a shame to throw the old stuff away. It’s also very expensive, since many computers and computer equipment contain environmentally harmful chemicals that you are not allowed to simply toss in the bin.

A few weeks ago we donated a batch of computers to a local youth project in North London (after securely deleting all the data on the hard disks). They’ll be used to train youngsters in basic IT skills and then donated to their families to get them online.

And finally today we’ve reclaimed a not insignificant portion of our floor space which has been occupied by a massive HP A3 laser printer that is so solid it requires at least three people to carry it. The lucky (and hopefully very strong) recipient is a residents group in Finsbury Park, who are going to use it to print leaflets and posters for their community projects.

Paul, from the group, sent us an email explaining what they’re about:

We recently planted an mini apple orchard (6 trees), and hoping to do a spot of guerilla gardening to transform a currently horrible looking wall that runs the stretch of the estate.

We often need to print either 30-40 posters or about 160 leaflets or possibly both to ensure residents know what’s going on. We don’t currently have a printer of our own, so we “make do” via various means, but it means we can’t print big (A4 is too small for a poster) and we can’t print while we’re at one of our meetings. With an A3 printer on-site, we can create posters/leaflets during the meeting, print and distribute while everyone is already there in one place. It will make a massive difference.

It’s nice to know it’s going to a good home.

Donating large pieces is a great way of clearing out surplus or obsolete office equipment. If you have stuff you’re about to throw in a tip, try finding a local group who could benefit from it, or post it on Freecycle.