Our Mission

Comprenew strives to protect businesses, people and the environment from the threat of improperly disposed electronic devices through best practice technology data management, asset recovery and recycling services, while fostering job readiness and computer literacy among at-risk populations in our community.

Our History

Comprenew began in 1986 as a for-profit refurbisher of mainframe computer equipment serving leasing companies, becoming the foremost refurbisher and repairer of IBM 5080 CADCAM equipment in the 1990s. By 1992, Comprenew was refurbishing and shipping an average of 1,000 terminals per week.

When personal computers became available, companies began to purchase rather than lease them. This greatly increased the number of computers entering the waste stream, so Comprenew expanded its recycling activity to help reduce the environmental threat.

In 2004, due to its shifting focus from for-profit to social enterprise, Comprenew became a nonprofit organization and expanded its activities to include social programs, largely from at-risk and marginalized populations. Today, Comprenew is the only nonprofit electronic recycler in the world, and the only recycler in Michigan, certified by both Responsible Recycling (R2) and e-Stewards.

Our Commitment to Community

Comprenew believes in supporting other nonprofits and does so by offering discounted computer equipment to organizations that provide assistance and training to at-risk populations. These community partners receive steep discounts on equipment for their computer labs.