The Environmental Impact of TechSoup's Refurbished Hardware Program

TechSoup's Refurbished Hardware Program has been going strong since 2006. Over that time, we've distributed over 194,000 refurbished devices, including desktop computers, laptops, LCD monitors, printers, smartphones, and tablets.

Because refurbishing extends the life of IT equipment, one of the most environmentally beneficial things that any of us can do is to acquire and use refurbished electronic devices of all kinds. The environmental impact of the TechSoup Refurbished Hardware Program surprised even us.

This blog post includes statistics for the program through December 31, 2024.

Since 2006, TechSoup's Refurbished Hardware Program has distributed 194,403 devices.

That breaks down to:

• 76,463 desktop computers and servers
• 78,887 laptops
• 28,433 LCD monitors
• 7,493 smartphones and tablets
• 603 printers
• 2,524 peripherals (such as keyboards, mice, and laptop docks)

In 2024, we distributed 4,473 refurbished devices to eligible nonprofits. By comparison, when the program started in 2006, we distributed 502 devices.

Refurbished Keeps Waste Down

Since its inception, the Refurbished Hardware Program has led to over $37 million in environmental cost savings, per the EPA electronics environmental benefits calculator.

It's also kept a significant waste out of landfills:

• More than 497,100 pounds of hazardous waste kept out of the waste stream. This is three times the weight of Space Shuttle Endeavor.
• Over 394,000,000 kilowatt-hours of energy saved. That's enough to power over 32,000 homes for at least 51 summer days in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Over 86,595 tons (over 173,000,000 pounds) of greenhouse gases kept out of the atmosphere. That's equivalent to the weight of eight Eiffel Towers. 
• Over 3,752 tons (more than 7,504,000 pounds) of waste emissions kept out of waterways. That's roughly the weight of 20 houses.
  
  

(Estimated equivalencies based on the Measure of Things.)

Better for the Planet, Better for Your Budget

Not only is TechSoup's Refubished Hardware program a greener choice; it also makes high quality technology more accessible to nonprofits and libraries like yours. All refurbished devices we offer meet stringent standards for quality and reliability, and come backed with warranties.

Additionally, since we factor shipping costs into the listed admin fees, you don't pay extra for shipping within the contiguous 48 states. Come explore the benefits of refurbished hardware today.

Additional Resources

• Find affordable computers for nonprofits.
• Learn the truth about the 6 myths regarding refurbished electronics.

TechSoup's Keli Sullivan contributed to this post.
Originally published: April 16, 2018. Last updated: April 18, 2025 to reflect data through the end of 2024.