How Comprenew Supports the Community Through Electronics Recycling and Digital Equity

As the only nonprofit organization in the world certified by both e-Stewards and R2, Comprenew stands at the forefront of responsible electronics recycling and refurbishing. Based in West Michigan, the nonprofit operates best-in-class circular economy programs that reduce electronic waste, protect data security, and expand access to technology for underserved communities.

Comprenew’s dual certifications reflect its commitment to environmental responsibility, worker health and safety, and secure data elimination: values that guide its operations and community programs alike.

“The certifications are important for ensuring safe and proper recycling practices,” says Sarah Laman, former Director of Marketing and Development at Comprenew. “By adhering to both standards, we are demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility, worker health and safety, and secure data elimination.”

Best-in-Class Electronics Recycling and Refurbishment

Founded in 1986 as a computer refurbishing company, Comprenew transitioned to a nonprofit social enterprise in 2004 to deepen its community impact. Today, the organization operates three retail locations in West Michigan, manages 23 e-waste collection sites across the Midwest, and maintains its own logistics fleet to serve corporate customers.

Comprenew accepts virtually any device with a cord or battery, excluding large kitchen appliances. Each year, it processes approximately 4 million pounds of electronic equipment, preventing an estimated 850,000 electronic items from improper disposal. About one-quarter of incoming devices are refurbished and resold as affordable technology, while the remainder are carefully dismantled, securely wiped of data at three separate checkpoints, and sent to certified downstream partners for recycling.

As the only nonprofit certified under both the R2 standard (establishes rigorous safety, process, and documentation requirements) and e-Stewards (developed by the Basel Action Network to prevent unsafe and unethical global e-waste practices), Comprenew sets a global benchmark for ethical electronics recycling.

Bridging the Digital Divide Through Education and Access

Comprenew’s mission extends beyond recycling to include job readiness, digital literacy, and equitable access to technology. Comprenew Connect, launched in 2015, is a computer literacy program designed for low-income individuals without access to home technology—often seniors or first-generation citizens. Classes are offered both on-site and through partner organizations such as libraries and community centers. To date, more than 600 community members have completed the program and received vouchers for discounted refurbished computers.

In 2019, Comprenew expanded its impact by launching a volunteer-for-computer program, allowing community members to earn a free computer voucher in exchange for 40 hours of volunteer work disassembling electronics. The organization also hosts thousands of volunteers annually through service-learning programs, delivering nearly 20,000 hours of job readiness training each year to individuals facing barriers to employment.

Comprenew further supports community partners by offering deeply discounted computer equipment, underwriting up to 60% of costs, for nonprofit organizations serving at-risk populations. Beneficiaries include Bates Place, Baxter Community Center, Green Michigan, Inner City Christian Federation, Roosevelt Park Ministries, Tent Schools International, United Methodist Community House, and others.

“In the United States, approximately 150,000 computers are disposed of every day, while an estimated 48 million people lack access to a home computer,” Laman notes. “Our objective is to use our position in the recycling and refurbishing industry to help close that digital divide.”

A Global Model for Circular Economy Leadership

Through its integrated approach to secure electronics recycling, refurbishment, workforce development, and digital equity, Comprenew demonstrates how circular economy principles can deliver environmental, economic, and social value simultaneously.“Comprenew is proud to be part of a corporate community that recognizes its role and responsibility to ensure a safer and cleaner planet,” said President Scott VanderKooy.