Tech Takeback & Transformation: Driving Electronics Reuse in Michigan
The Michigan Materials Marketplace, a collaborative of Rheaply, NextCycle MI & EGLE, hosted a roundtable discussion focused on practical ways to keep devices in circulation—via redeployment, refurbishment, donation, resale, and certified ITAD—while widening access to technology and skills for underserved residents.
Michigan is at the crossroads of two realities. On one hand, businesses, schools, and households are sitting on closets and storerooms of still-useful equipment. On the other, communities face real barriers to digital access, and organizations spend millions buying new devices when secondary ones could meet the need.
Electronics reuse isn’t just about cost savings or carbon impact—it’s about circulating value in the state: lowering procurement costs, boosting local refurbishing jobs, and bridging the digital divide.
Spotlight: Leaders Driving Circular Innovation in Michigan
Dean Hendricks, Hendricks Foundation
Dean Hendricks from the Hendricks Foundation shared how philanthropy can be the connective tissue that links surplus technology to real community outcomes. Dean emphasized pairing devices to support—digital literacy, repair resources, and local implementation partners—so hardware doesn’t just change hands, it changes trajectories for families, learners, and job-seekers across Michigan.
Loren Williams & PCs for People
Loren Williams from PCs for People walked through best practices for refurbishment at scale: secure data sanitization, device grading, and consistent chain-of-custody that turns mixed surplus into reliable, ready-to-deploy computers.
Loren highlighted how long-term supply agreements and predictable pickup schedules help nonprofits meet demand and expand access to both affordable devices and connectivity for communities statewide.
Scott Vander Kooy & Comprenew
Scott Vander Kooy from Comprenew detailed how certified processes and transparent reporting build trust in reuse—maximizing refurbishment first, then responsible recycling when devices truly reach end of life.
Scott underscored the value of standardized intake criteria, serialized tracking, and clear QA/QA documentation, inviting organizations to establish ongoing asset streams that deliver measurable environmental and social impact.
Watch the roundtable or access the speaker slides below:
Meet the panelists
by Jenn Kloc 
