Turning corporate tech into community impact: How CAS helped 67 families get connected
More than 110,000 households in Franklin County lack access to a device beyond a smartphone. Meanwhile, corporations across Columbus are retiring perfectly functional laptops every year.
It’s a striking contrast in a city rapidly becoming one of North America’s premier AI and technology hubs. The Columbus region is home to more than 100 data centers, 250+ tech startups, and several Fortune 500 companies. As our region’s tech economy grows, so does the need to ensure all residents can participate in it.
Smart Columbus launched the Device Donation Program to turn corporate e-waste into opportunity, bridging the device gap while helping businesses meet sustainability and community impact goals.
Turning corporate e-waste into community tools
Most companies refresh their tech every few years, but many of those retired devices still hold significant functional value. What if those laptops could go somewhere more meaningful than the landfill?
The Device Donation Program makes that easy. Here’s how it works:
Free pickup from corporate offices
Certified data destruction and liability insurance for complete security
Professional refurbishment through certified local partners
Distribution via trusted social service organizations, getting devices to the residents who need them most
It’s a streamlined, secure, and high-impact way for companies to support digital inclusion in Columbus.
The CAS story: What one company made possible
One early partner was Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), a global leader in scientific research.
When CAS donated its retired laptops to the Device Donation Program, each device had reached the end of its corporate lifecycle, but not its potential. After secure data destruction and expert refurbishment, 67 of those laptops were brought back to life, then distributed to 67 refugee and new American families through Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS).
These laptops opened access to:
Online job applications and remote work
Digital learning platforms and homework tools
Essential government and community services
Communication with relatives and support networks
A single corporate donation changed the trajectory for dozens of families, many of whom were navigating a new city, a new culture, and a new start.
Why it matters
For companies, the Device Donation Program delivers:
Risk mitigation through certified, secure data destruction
Sustainability progress through measurable e-waste diversion
Community impact through a turnkey donation process with real results
For Columbus, it’s a scalable solution to one of the region’s most pressing challenges. As access to education, employment, and essential services continues to move online, a laptop is a true lifeline for families in need.
What’s next: Scaling the impact
The CAS partnership is just one example. With over 110,000 households in Franklin County still lacking adequate devices, the work is far from over.
Got retired technology? Let’s put it to work.
The Device Donation Program makes it simple to turn your company’s retired tech into real community impact. Contact Smart Columbus to get started.