Free Geek Twin Cities Is Reducing Waste and Bringing Tech to Communities in Need

Ever wonder what to do with the obsolete gadgets you have shoved away in an old junk drawer? Those dated electronic toys that might have been loved a little too much and can’t be salvaged?

One option is to donate them to Free Geek Twin Cities, a local nonprofit that describes itself as an electronic thrift store tech donation hub and volunteer community.

Free Geek’s mission is to combat the rise in electronic waste through repurposing, reusing, and, if all else fails, recycling tech that’s old, broken, or unwanted. As we witness the rapid growth of technology in the world, so do we see the increase the e-waste it creates. According to data from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, humans produced more than 60 million tons of electronic waste in 2022. And that number is expected to increase by over 30 percent by the year 2030.

Free Geek offers education and a tech-focused thrift store. Joe Praska

While Free Geek may not be able to combat this waste single-handedly, its efforts have made a noticeable dent in curbing the rise here in Minnesota. In 2024, the organization recycled upwards of 95 tons of waste and rehomed over 43,000 pieces of refurbished tech, with even more pieces not included in that count that were given away for free.

On top of this, Free Geek has also been working to alleviate the “digital divide,” or the fact that many members of our communities not only lack basic access to computers and internet but are unable to gain the necessary skills to use these tools. This disparity can perpetuate opportunity gaps that prevent folks from attaining the basic means to apply for jobs and colleges, stay in touch with family and friends, or even just stay informed.

Amanda Jacobsen, head of Free Geek’s gaming department, explained to Twin Cities Geek, “One of Free Geek’s core missions is to help bridge the digital divide. Many low-income folks from all walks of life find the cost of tech prohibitively expensive, yet it is often the only way for them to escape poverty.”

This is why the organization created its $35 computer bundle, which, Jacobsen said, “includes a desktop computer running Linux that is capable of doing modern computing—emails, internet, spreadsheets, Zoom calls, etc.—a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and all the cables.” The computers included in these bundles come from donations and are tested to make sure they’re effective and workable.

On top of working to provide basic access to tech, Free Geek also offers many educational resources, including classes on computer basics, PC building, online security, soldering, and Linux.

Donated Mac computers from different eras. Joe Praska

While curbing e-waste and tackling the digital divide may not always be at the forefront of everyone’s minds when thinking of social causes to support, the work that the folks at Free Geek are doing is truly making an impact.

“Now more than ever, it’s important to find out who is there to help in your community,” Jacobsen said. “Even if you don’t care about tech or don’t have plans to buy anything, please stop in to take a look at our community bulletin board and see who our local partner organizations are. And if you are ever in need of affordable tech, remember your geeky friends here in south Minneapolis.”

Free Geek Twin Cities is located at 2537 25th Avenue South in Minneapolis. Visit the organization’s recycling FAQ to learn more about accepted items.