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As the holiday season approaches, we at NextStep Recycling are especially in need of your support. Located in Eugene, Oregon, we are a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing technology and training to children and adults who face barriers to employment or education—while also helping protect our environment from hazardous electronic waste.
Who we are
Founded in 1999 and operating in Lane County, we began by accepting donated electronics, refurbishing them, and returning them to use rather than letting them end up in landfills. Over the years, we have trained thousands of individuals, recycled millions of pounds of electronic waste, and developed programs that help our community gain access to technology and job skills.
What programs we offer
- Job skills training and placement: We work with youth graduating foster care, adults with disabilities, seniors, families leaving domestic violence, migrant-worker families, underfunded schools, and local nonprofits.
- Refurbished technology access: We refurbish computers and other electronics and provide them to low-income families, individuals, schools, and nonprofits—helping to narrow the digital divide.
- Electronic waste recycling & environmental outreach: We accept a wide variety of electronics (computers, monitors, TVs, cables, gaming consoles), either refurbish or responsibly recycle them, and also provide educational outreach to schools and community groups about e-waste and reuse.
- Community partnerships & outreach: We partner with local schools and organizations to provide off-site programs and outreach events (for example, seminars for students K-12 about e-waste).
Part of the electronics solution solution
At our Eugene facility, we divert more than 2 million pounds of electronic waste from the landfill every year through our free drop-off and refurbishment programs. We have trained more than 5,000 individuals facing employment and educational barriers—strengthening the local workforce.
Last year, alongside regional partners, we helped 48 schools in Lane County keep 41,491 pounds of e-waste out of landfills through a joint recycling competition. In doing so, we prevent hazardous materials from polluting our environment, expand digital access for underserved households, and create job-training opportunities in tech refurbishment.
Helping people with barriers get job training
Our Job Skills Program plays a vital role in reducing employment barriers for community members who need a second chance or additional support. Through structured, hands-on training, participants learn:
- computer repair
- device testing
- safe e-waste handling
- retail operations
- communication and teamwork
- problem-solving
- time-management and workplace professionalism
Since 1999, we have worked with more than 10,000 total trainees across our programs. Many arrive facing challenges such as limited work history, disability, or systemic obstacles. Our program provides a pathway to rebuild confidence and demonstrate capability. With individualized coaching, résumé support, and real-world experience inside our working refurbishing and retail operation, graduates leave better prepared to find and keep steady employment.
By supporting these efforts, you help us strengthen individual futures and expand our region’s skilled, motivated workforce.
Shop the ReUse Store
Our ReUse Store—located at 987 Garfield St. in Eugene—offers refurbished laptops, desktop PCs, Macs, monitors, cords, and chargers at a fraction of big-box prices. Every purchase directly supports our mission: job training, skills development, and expanded access to technology for underserved community members.
By giving donated equipment a second life and offering it to local families, schools, and nonprofits, our store helps reduce electronic waste, strengthen the circular economy, and expand digital access.
We also proudly partner with the University of Oregon, allowing surplus university equipment to be diverted back into our community rather than toward disposal. This partnership helps us provide even more affordable, refurbished technology while supporting our mission of training and workforce development.
Why we need your donation this holiday season
As the holidays approach, community demand increases—and so does the importance of expanding access to technology, job training, and sustainable recycling. Your donations of funds or usable electronics help us:
- Expand our training programs and placement opportunities.
- Increase our capacity to accept, refurbish, and distribute technology.
- Continue responsible recycling that keeps hazardous materials out of the environment.
- Meet rising seasonal needs as families replace or upgrade devices.
How you can help
- Donate funds: Your financial support ensures we have the resources for training, equipment, and outreach.
- Donate electronics: If you have old computers, monitors, TVs, cables, gaming consoles, or other electronics, we will accept them for refurbishment or responsible recycling.
- Spread the word: Share our mission, programs, and seasonal needs so more community members can support or donate.
By supporting us at NextStep Recycling this holiday season, you help individuals build skills and access technology—and you help keep our community and environment healthier.
