SUMMARY

Recycle Geeks is a new circular economy project that collects computers that are no longer used, and converts them into value for charity and the donor!

Even when computers are broken or old, they still have a lot of value to be recovered. By recovering them, we help the planet by preventing these computers from becoming into electronic waste too soon. And the best part? We share part of the profits to support social solidarity institutions.

How do we process donations? The donations we receive are filtered and repaired, or removed the parts that are still working. Everything that no longer works is sent to authorized e-waste recycling companies.

After we resell what still works, the profit is shared between Recycle Geeks, the donor, and a charity of choice. The donor can choose to either receive 33% of the profit from the sale and donate 33%, or donate 66% of the profits.

PROBLEM

Millions of computers and smartphones sit unused in homes and offices, forgotten in drawers. Most people don't know what to do with them: selling online is time-consuming, recycling feels impersonal, and throwing them away is wasteful.

Meanwhile, e-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, with toxic materials ending up in landfills. At the same time, many families and institutions cannot afford quality technology at retail prices.

Recycle Geeks addresses both sides of this problem: it removes the friction of responsible disposal for individuals and businesses, while simultaneously making refurbished technology affordable and accessible. By bridging donors and buyers through a trusted, managed platform, we turn a widespread environmental problem into an opportunity for social good.

SOLUTION

Anyone with an unwanted device — working or broken — can donate it to Recycle Geeks via nationwide courier pickup or drop-off at our Porto facility.

Our team evaluates each device and follows one of three paths: full refurbishment and resale, component harvesting for use in other repairs, or responsible recycling of non-recoverable parts. Restored devices are listed on our online store with professional photography and honest condition descriptions, ensuring fast sales at fair prices across Portugal and mainland Spain. A portion of every sale goes to a charity of the donor's choice, turning the act of donating old technology into a direct act of solidarity. Donors can also receive store credit, letting them access refurbished tech themselves.

The impact is measurable and growing: since 2021, Recycle Geeks has processed over 5,000 kg of computers and tablets and distributed more than €20,000 to charitable causes. Beyond the numbers, we shift consumer behaviour — making repair and reuse the default, and new purchases the exception. We also participate in community events such as Repair Cafés, raising awareness about the value of electronics longevity. Our model is scalable: we are actively seeking local partners in other Portuguese cities to expand drop-off points and bring circular electronics to more communities nationwide.