Recycling Technology, Empowering Communities

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I go to buy a computer or parts at CCR?
We are located at 49 Novner Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio (Woodlawn area). Directions
What hours are you open?

Wednesdays: 3 pm to 8 pm

Saturday: 9 am to 1 pm

Holidays: Closed

Snow Closure notices on Facebook

Who is able to purchase a computer from CCR?
Everyone is welcome. Anyone may purchase one of our refurbished desktop or laptop computers. Choosing refurbished technology helps keep usable equipment out of landfills while putting reliable computers back into homes, schools, and community organizations where they continue to make a difference.
I’m not a resident in Greater Cincinnati; can I qualify for a computer?
CCR serves all of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
How can I pay for my purchase?
CCR takes cash, debit card and credit card.
Do you offer a warranty?
All refurbished computers with Windows 11 Professional include 1 year hardware warranty and 2 years of support. Chrome OS computers come with a 30-day Functionality Assurance Warranty.
Will you help me transfer my data from my current computer?
Data Transfer: Includes transfer of limited application data and documents from old, operational computer with working hard drive.
Is there a charge for technical support?
No, we do not charge for technical support.
What kind of support do you provide?
The 2 years of technical hardware support includes in shop or telephone support for: 1) Email setup (password required); 2) Advice for connecting to prefinals and Wi-Fi. We cannot provide software support; please consult manufactures website or YouTube.
Do you offer a loan program for equipment?
Sorry we do not; see FAQ technology Access Discounts question
What are the qualifications for a discounted computer?
Technology Access Discount Qualifications:

Documentation of current enrollment in one of the income-based government assistance programs listed below OR documentation of current household income that is under 200% of the federal poverty level (see table below) allows you to purchase our computers at a discounted price.

Below is a list of programs that make you income-eligible to participate in our community access program:

• Food support:

o SNAP/EBT

o National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program

o WIC

• Medicaid Enrollment

• Housing assistance:

o Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

o Federal Public Housing Assistance

o Section 8

o Group Residential Housing (GRH)

o Section 42

o Low-Income Housing Tax Credit or other HUD low-income program

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

• Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits

• Lifeline

• Child enrollment in Head Start

• Federal Pell Grant

• Your annual household income did not exceed 200% federal poverty level (FPL) or 60% area median income (AMI) for the most recent tax year (see below).

Household Size and 200% of HHS Poverty Guidelines:

1: $29,160

2: $39,440

3: $49,720

4: $60,000

5: $70,280

6: $80,560

7: $90,840

8: $101,120

I’m a nonprofit/ school do you offer support to these other programs?
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and educational institutions may also purchase refurbished computers with valid Windows 11 licenses. Please note: These systems do not include free Microsoft Office. Orders for nonprofits and schools are handled separately. Contact us directly to discuss discounts, availability and to place an order
Where do I drop off equipment at CCR?
Donation drop-off is located near our loading dock around the back of our building. Follow the signs on our building. Please do not leave items outdoors outside of business hours. Your personal information would be at risk. We are not responsible for data security for items left outside of our operating hours.
Do you pick up equipment?
We depend upon the support of businesses to help us achieve our mission. Please contact us to evaluate and discuss donation options. If your business has a large donation (at least 1 truckload), we may be able to schedule a pickup. Sorry we do NOT pickup individual computer donations.
What Types of Computers, Electronics and Gadgets can I Donate/Recycle?
A rule of thumb you can apply might include any home/office/server computer and attached equipment: PC Desktop computers, laptops, servers, workstations, tablets, notebooks, printers, routers, video game consoles and even VR headsets. The sky is the limit when it comes to donating computers and tech gadgets. We do NOT accept televisions, alarm systems or smoke detectors…just computer equipment. We ask for a $5 donation for monitors and printers to cover downstream charges we are assessed by recyclers.

Items we Accept at No Cost:

• Laptops

• Desktops

• Servers

• Cell phones and tablets (please read this information first)

• Hard disk drives, solid-state drives, floppy disks and drives, tape cartridges and drives (data destruction available)

• Peripherals (keyboards, mice, speakers, etc.)

• Networking equipment (routers, switches, access points, etc.)

• UPS box

• Cables

• Power adapters

• Rechargeable (secondary) batteries

• Vintage computers and related parts, accessories, software, and documentation

Is there a fee to drop off equipment?
We do not charge a fee for equipment disposal, but we do ask for a voluntary donation to help offset the recycling cost of some items:

• $5 each: Monitors (CRT and LED)

• $5 each: Inkjet printers

• $5 each: Laser printers

• $ 5each: Copier/printers

I have electronics like TVs and refrigerators that aren't computer related. Where can I take those items for recycling or reuse?
Hamilton County ReSource provides a complete Recycling and Reuse Search Tool HERE: https://hamiltoncountyresource.org/recycling_guide/recycling_and_reuse_search_tool.php
Will you wipe my personal information from my computer if I donate it?
Yes; your personal information will be removed from your computer. Each item is carefully evaluated to determine whether it can be refurbished or responsibly recycled. HHD-Hard drives from older computers are removed and destroyed. Devices with potential for refurbishment are securely stored until their SSD or M.2 hard drive can be wiped or destroyed.
Can my non-working computers benefit your non-profit?
Yes. Your charitable donation to Cincinnati Computer Reuse may have useful reuseable components a family, school or partner non-profit in the community could utilize. All older or obsolete and non-viable equipment would be recycled, utilizing a “NO landfill” policy in which items are sorted (computers, laptops [with HD’s removed], wires, printers, plastics, metal, and monitors) for achieving the highest price and lowest charge from our (R2) downstream recyclers. Simply stated, your newer equipment is refurbished and benefits the community, your older equipment is recycled and financially supports our mission.
Are large organizations able drop off to CCR?
Yes, please contact us in advance so we can alert our volunteer base and have enough hands present to quickly unload your recycling donation.
I own a business. How can I receive a Certificate of Destruction for the equipment I drop off?
CCR has a Certificate of Destruction tracking program. Computers are scanned and tracked throughout the data destruction process, with certificates issued once each batch is completed—strengthening accountability and donor confidence. Certificate of destruction process will be provided upon request and ONLY if arranged in advance or during drop-off.
Why should I donate to Cincinnati Computer Reuse?
CCR has earned Candid Platinum status which reflects our commitment to transparency and accountability, giving donors confidence in how we steward our mission and resources. Cincinnati Computer Reuse has been recognized by the Hamilton County Solid Waste

District as 513 Green Certified. The 513-workplace certification is a sustainability certification that recognizes and promotes organizations in Hamilton County and the City of Oxford that are actively working towards a sustainable future

These designations reflect the standards we hold ourselves to every day—responsible technology reuse, secure and environmentally sound recycling practices, and a commitment to reinvesting refurbished computers back into the community for households below the poverty line.

Is Cincinnati Computer Reuse a registered 501 (c)3?
Cincinnati Computer Reuse is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit charitable organization (EIN# 73-1645747). Your computer equipment donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. CCR has been in business since 2002, originally under the name of Cincinnati Computer Cooperative. In 2023, our name was changed to Cincinnati Computer Reuse to better identify our purpose.
How can I help CCR besides donating my computer equipment?
Most of our customers learned about our affordable computer by word of mouth. Tell your friends and neighbors about our secure, environmentally responsible computer recycling services and our social, and economic impact on our community. Cincinnati Computer Reuse is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization (EIN #73-1645747). Click that DONATE button to help us financially
I’m a student interested in learning more about IT, do you offer any support?
We’re a popular volunteer site for high school and college students (minimum age 16; adult permission needed for minors), computer hobbyists, and retirees. Volunteers sign in/out using our timeclock database program which allows us to print reports for students who need service hour documentation. We do not provide formal training, but there are always experienced techs on hand to answer questions. Volunteers who work in our warehouse operation areas (receiving and processing) need to dress appropriately, with long pants (no cargo pockets) and heavy shoes. Steel toes are a plus! Volunteers typically help with unloading, recording and triaging donated equipment. They also assist in dismantling computers to remove hard drives for destruction and break down items into component parts. Volunteers no longer refurbish computers.
I’m interested in a tour; how can I request one?
Tours can be scheduled during business hours for businesses and individuals wanting to know more about our operation. We offer tours for Scouting groups wanting to learn more about local computer recycling processes. Please contact us in advance to arrange group tours.
What are the tax benefits to individuals donating used computer equipment to a non-profit?
Individuals who donate used computer equipment to a non-profit organization can enjoy several tax benefits:

1. Fair Market Value Deduction: Individuals can generally deduct the fair market value of the donated computer equipment. This is the retail value of the item in its current condition.

2. Tax Deduction for the Year of Donation: The deduction is typically claimed for the year in which the non-profit organization receives the equipment.

3. Shipping Costs: Shipping and transportation costs associated with the donation can also be tax-deductible.

4. Reducing E-Waste: Donating used computers helps reduce electronic waste, which is beneficial for the environment.

5. Supporting Charitable Causes: Donations support various charitable programs, including educational initiatives and community support for low-income families.

To ensure compliance with IRS rules and maximize the tax benefits, it's important to keep a written record of the donation and obtain a receipt from the non-profit organization. Consulting with a tax advisor is also recommended to navigate the specific requirements and maximize your deduction. By law, Cincinnati Computer cannot provide a stated value of your system.

What are the tax benefits to CORPORATIONS DONATING USED COMPUTERS TO A NON-PROFIT?
When corporations donate used computers to a non-profit organization, they can benefit from several tax advantages:

1. Tax Deduction: Corporations can generally deduct the undepreciated value of the donated computer equipment. This means they can deduct the amount they originally paid for the equipment, minus any depreciation taken.

2. Reduced E-Waste: Donating used computers helps reduce electronic waste, which is beneficial for the environment.

3. Supporting Communities: By donating computers, corporations can support educational and charitable programs, helping low-income families and communities.

4. Shipping Costs: Warehousing and shipping costs associated with the donation are also tax-deductible under applicable rules and regulations.

5. Compliance with IRS Rules: To qualify for the tax deduction, the donated computers must be in usable condition, and the corporation must follow all IRS rules and filing requirements.

It's always a good idea to consult with a tax advisor to ensure compliance with all applicable tax laws and to maximize the benefits of your donation.

Which section of the IRS Tax Code apply to non-profit gifts?
The tax laws pertaining to this are Section 170 of the Federal Income Tax Code, the New Millennium Classrooms Act, and the 21st Century Classrooms Act. Business donors can deduct the un-depreciated value of the computer, and individuals can deduct the current market value of a computer. The tax receipt that we provide will have your name on it, the name and identifying EIN number of Cincinnati Computer Reuse, you will need to provide the model and type of equipment donated to our volunteers receiving the donation. We are not authorized to appraise the value of the equipment. You are responsible for the determination of the value of your donated equipment.
Will you accept Apple Computers?
For CCR to reuse your Mac or iPad, it must be removed from your Apple account. Please sign out of iCloud and remove the device from your account before or at the time of donation. Devices that remain associated with a previous Apple ID cannot be reused and will be recycled or harvested for parts only.

Your generous support creates access, fuels education, and opens opportunity.