Frequently Asked Questions

Sam's Spares: A Not-for-Profit Organisation Helping the Environment and Communities.

In today's tech-driven world, the amount of electronic waste is increasing at an alarming rate. However, not all e-waste is garbage. Many discarded devices still have life left in them, and they can be repaired or refurbished to serve a new purpose.

That's where Sam's Spares comes in. We are a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing IT Computer E-waste and bridging the gap between the IT end-user and the E-waste recycler. Our mission is to refurbish and repair discarded computer electronics, making them available to those in need and providing training in repairs for our neurodivergent community.

Our refurbished IT technology is distributed free of charge through our Peer-Partner Organisations.  Sam's Spares ensures through these partnerships that the devices reach the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society.

In addition to our environmental and social impact, Samuel Thomas of Sam's Spares provides one-on-one training opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. Sam offers through the NDIS a support program that teaches repair and refurbishment skills to people on the autism spectrum, ADHD, or with other cognitive differences. This support helps to develop their technical abilities, as well as their communication and teamwork skills. Moreover, it gives them a sense of purpose and belonging as they contribute to a meaningful cause and work alongside like-minded individuals.

Sam's Spares is a shining example of how not-for-profit organisations can positively impact the environment and communities. By bridging the gap between IT E-waste and people in need, we create a win-win situation that benefits everyone.

For financial donations:

Sam’s Spares Inc

BSB: 633000

Account: 192231405

(Charitable Collections Licence :CC23234)

Sam’s Spares Currently accepts the following items:

Laptops

Desktop computers

Monitors  (must have displayport or HDMI)

Keyboards & Mice 

Mobile Phones

Tablets

Game systems, Accessories & Games

Laptop power cables & other cables

Computer parts such as hard drives, graphics cards, memory sticks & motherboards

*Vintage & Retro Computers and Parts for the Future Computer Museum*

CORPORATE E-WASTE DONOR 

Donate Your Obsolete Technology:

Any company can contribute to our mission by donating their obsolete technology free of charge. This includes laptops, desktops, tablets, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. Donating is simple—just send us an email with a group photo or a list of the items you wish to donate, and we will respond with further details. Your donations play a crucial role in our efforts to save IT E-waste from landfill and providing FREE Refurbished IT to people in need across WA.

Join the Sam's Spares Family:

Many companies are eager to make a more significant impact by becoming a part of the Sam's Spares Family. As a Corporate E-waste Partner, you'll enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with us. This MOU outlines the obligations of both parties and details how we will promote and support your company’s commitment to keeping IT technology in the circular economy and helping to bridge the digital divide.

Benefits of Partnership:

• Sustainability Commitment: Showcase your company’s dedication to environmental sustainability by ensuring your obsolete technology is reused and recycled responsibly.
• Community Impact: Help bridge the digital divide by providing access to technology for underprivileged people across WA.
• Brand Promotion: We will actively promote your company’s efforts through our various channels, highlighting your role in supporting our mission.
• Corporate Responsibility: Demonstrate your corporate social responsibility (CSR) by partnering with a trusted organisation dedicated to making a positive impact.

How to Become a Partner:

1. Reach Out: Contact us to express your interest in becoming a Corporate E-waste Partner.
2. Discuss Details: We will provide more information and discuss how our partnership can align with your company's goals and values.
3. Sign the MOU: Review and sign the MOU, which outlines the responsibilities and benefits for both parties.
4. Start Contributing: Begin donating your obsolete technology and see the difference your contributions make in the community.

Contact Us:

For more information on donating technology or becoming a Corporate E-waste Partner, please contact us via email. We look forward to collaborating with you to create a sustainable future and bridge the digital divide.

At Sam's Spares, we prioritise data security by utilising Blancco Secure Data Erasure software for hard drive erasure. Blancco is an industry-leading provider of data erasure software, trusted by organisations worldwide. 

Their software is certified by numerous national and international regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance with data protection laws and standards.

This advanced software ensures that all data is completely wiped from the drives, providing a secure and reliable method of data destruction. In cases where data cannot be erased, we take extra measures by physically destroying the hard drives to ensure that no data can be recovered.

Need Certification? 

We offer data destruction certificates upon request. If you require a certificate, please email us for further details, and we will be happy to provide one.

To learn more about Blancco Secure Data Erasure software and its extensive credentials, visit their website:  https://www.blancco.com 

Donations can be dropped to Sam’s Workshop at:

2 Stalker Road 

Gosnells 

Monday - Friday 

9am - 5pm 

For Collection of items please email admin@samsspares.org with a list and photos of the items to be collected and one of our team will get back to you. 

SAM'S SPARES IS NOT ACCEPTING NEW REFERRALS FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2024.

WE WILL BE LAUNCHING A NEW SPONSORSHIP BASED PROGRAM FOR 2025.

FOLLOW OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DETAILS.

We understand the high demand for refurbished technology, but we are unable to fulfill every individual request. Instead, we work through a network of trusted partners. 

Each year, we select Peer - Partners—non-profits, charities, community organisations, and schools—to distribute our technology to people in need across WA.

Our Peer-to-Peer Distribution:

At Sam’s Spares, we focus on our strengths: refurbishing and repairing technology, and providing IT training for the neurodivergent community. Our Peer-to-Peer network leverages the expertise of organisations deeply embedded in their communities. These organisations apply to work with us, and once selected, they distribute our refurbished items to those in need.

This approach ensures that our efforts are maximised and that the technology reaches those who need it most, guided by the insights and experience of our partners.

Stay Updated:

Our distribution program will be changing in 2025. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for the latest updates and details.

About Peer-to-Peer Networking:

According to Wikipedia, “Peer-to-peer networking is a distributed application architecture that partitions tasks or workloads between peers. Peers are equally privileged, equipotent participants in the application. They are said to form a peer-to-peer network.”

By maintaining a peer-to-peer distribution model, Sam’s Spares can focus its energy on what we do best while trusting our partners to serve their communities effectively.

Sam's Spares does not offer a private repair service.

At Sam's Spares, our commitment to providing 100% FREE refurbished technology to the WA community remains steadfast. Our core FREE offerings include:

• Refurbished Laptops
• Refurbished Desktop Computers
• Tablets
• Mobile Phones
• Gaming Consoles

To cover our overheads while maintaining our core mission, we've devised a sustainable approach. We sell parts, peripherals, and unique items donated to us that fall outside our core program. These sales occur via our new eBay store and facebook marketplace. In the future, as our volunteer team expands, we plan to establish a pick-a-part tech shop.

Example of Items we sell:

• Monitors (excess to requirements)
• Keyboard and mice
• Chargers
• Cables 
• PC Parts 

For those seeking specific items, please reach out to see how we can assist. Many have asked how they can support Sam's work by purchasing items. By adhering to Sam's vision, we ensure that our core refurbished IT technology remains 100% free of charge to the recipient.

Our move to a new location has significantly increased our overheads, and we believe this approach will ensure long-term sustainability without relying heavily on donations or fundraising. This also provides an excellent opportunity for supporters to contribute to Sam's mission.