Recycling Questions

My company has computer equipment that we would like to donate to the San Diego Futures Foundation. How do we do this?

  1. Review the Program Guidelines (PDF)
  2. Provide an inventory of your equipment using the Recycle Form.
  3. Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by SDFF staff.
  4. If your donation is accepted, SDFF will contact you to make arrangements for pick up or delivery of the equipment.

Who do I contact for more information about the Computer and Electronics Recycling Program?

Please contact the Recycling program manager at 619-269-1684 extension 1.

How do I wipe my hard drive of personal information?

You are responsible for deleting all data on the computer. Prior to the donation of your equipment, you should back up any necessary data, remove all data from your hard drive, delete your Internet browser's cache, cookies, history, your e-mail contacts and messages, your documents, your recycle or trash folder, and non-transferable software. There are several products on the market for data removal and cost for these software solutions vary (many are free).

Here are some examples of disk cleaning utilities:

Commercial Windows Disk Cleaning Software

Norton Utilities and System Works

Paragon Disk Wiper

Webroot Window Washer

Tracks Eraser Pro

Wipedrive

Freeware Windows Disk Cleaning Software (all available at Shareware.com)

Eraser

Active@ Kill Disk: Hard Drive Eraser

Disk Cleaner

Sure Delete

BCWipe (shareware)

Macintosh Disk Cleaning Software

Norton Utilities (using this, you can delete single documents and files)

iClean

SuperScrubber

If the PC is still under a manufacturer's warranty, you can call the company's technical services and ask for specifics on how to delete personal files.

I'm not a company, can I still donate my used computer?

YES! SDFF accepts donations of used computers and other electronics from individuals. Please visit our Recycling for Individuals page for more information.

Is SDFF a Not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Public Charity?

Yes, SDFF is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) publicly supported foundation. SDFF’s Federal Tax ID number is 33-0883460.

How can a community-based organization, nonprofit or school receive equipment from SDFF?

Organizations with not-for-profit 501(c)(3) status are eligible for donations of refurbished computers from the San Diego Futures Foundation. Please review our Donation Guidelines for more information. 

My organization/school/public agency is seeking monetary support. Does SDFF provide financial grants?

No. The San Diego Futures Foundation provides donations of used computer equipment but does not provide financial awards.

What items do you not take?

SDFF cannot accept the following items and recommends they be taken to Allen Company or EDCO.

  • Lamps
  • Light Bulbs
  • Batteries
  • Kitchen Appliances
  • Vacuum Cleaners
  • Microwaves