Electronics Recycling & Circular Economy Co-op

Position Overview

The Electronics Recycling & Circular Economy Intern will support high-impact sustainability initiatives focused on decommissioned computer servers and related IT equipment. In this role, the intern will gain hands-on experience in electronics material recovery, server hardware component identification, inventory control, and circular-economy operational practices by bridging classroom knowledge with real-world recycling and waste-diversion processes.

Key Responsibilities

Inspection & Dismantling: Safely inspect, catalog, and dismantle server equipment and IT hardware using appropriate hand tools and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Material Separation & Recovery: Identify components suitable for reuse or refurbishment; systematically separate aluminum, steel, copper, wiring, circuit boards, processors, RAM, power supplies, and other recyclable streams.

Precious Metal & Downstream Prep: Prepare electronic components containing recoverable precious metals for secure shipment to qualified downstream recyclers.

Data Tracking & Inventory: Weigh, record, and maintain accurate inventory logs of all recovered materials, reusable parts, and residual waste streams.

Metrics & Process Improvement: Help track environmental performance metrics (processed equipment weight, diversion rates, residual output) and collaborate on developing improved standard operating procedures (SOPs) for reuse and recycling efficiency.

Learning Outcomes & Practical Experience

Hands-on familiarity with enterprise-grade computer server architecture and hardware components.

Operational understanding of e-waste recycling pathways, material separation standards, and downstream logistics.

Practical skills in inventory tracking, environmental performance metric reporting, and circular-economy process optimization.

Training & Onboarding Plan

The student will begin with onboarding covering workplace safety, safe handling of electronic equipment, PPE, tools, and procedures for dismantling computer servers. They will receive hands-on training in identifying server components, determining whether parts should be reused or recycled, and separating aluminum, steel, copper, wiring, circuit boards, and other materials. The supervisor will review material handling, inventory tracking, weighing, and environmental data collection procedures with the student. Regular check-ins will be held to review progress, answer questions, reinforce safe work practices, and identify opportunities to improve reuse and recycling efficiency. As the placement progresses, the student will take on greater responsibility for independently processing equipment and documenting recovery results.