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Microsoft has unveiled a programme, which it hopes will help to cut the amount of PCs and accessories that end up in landfills.
The strategy, launched at the Rehab Recycle facility in Tallaght, takes unwanted PCs, refurbishes the system and then distributes them to schools and charities.
It is hoped the scheme, which if successful may be branched out UK wide, will give companies a means by which to dispose of unused or end-of-life PC equipment and peripherals, without clogging landfills.
Microsoft has recruited four local firms to do the refurbishment work, which involves a full service and installation of new software, before offering the revamped PCs to non-profit organizations and educational establishments. Other companies in Ireland are being approached in the hope of expanding the project.
To date, more than 1,000 PCs have been saved from the landfill and given back to schools and charities. Microsoft has also donated 400 of its own computers to the initiative.
"The MAR programme promotes the reuse of technology and provides a ready supply of computers for charities and schools," said Tom Murphy, head of public relations and community affairs at Microsoft Ireland.
"Already a number of leading environmentally-conscious companies are availing of the MAR programme and our aim is that as many companies as possible look at the programme as a realistic alternative to scrapping unused technology while knowing that the donated computers will have a valuable extended life in a growing number of charities and schools," he added.
