The project called ‘‘Cromwell reBoot’’ is being launched this week by community group Connect Cromwell in order to reduce the number of laptops going on to the scrapheap.
Goldfields Primary School assistant principal Jacalyn Tapp and Cromwell Primary School year 5-6 team leader Louise Haig both wanted a recycling scheme so there were more laptops available for pupils in school.
Local computer specialist Ben Deegan has volunteered to collect laptops and replace existing operating systems with a ‘‘school-compatible’’ system.
‘‘We can take any type of functioning laptop produced from 2010 onwards and install the necessary software.
‘‘They just need to be able to hold about two hours of battery power and have power cords.’’
The scheme reduced waste and put more machines into the hands of pupils, he said.
Goldfields Primary School assistant principal Jacalyn Tapp said required laptops cost about $350-$400.
Laptops can be donated at Paperplus Cromwell.
