How can we increase device recycling options in the City of Hamilton and make devices accessible to those in need?
Project Description: The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the digital divide that many communities face as school, work, and socializing have become increasingly reliant on access to the internet. This digital divide has 3 components – 1) lack of available connectivity; 2) access to devices; 3) training and education for the user of devices. In collaboration between City of Hamilton and McMaster University, we are looking for students to focus on components #2 and #3 and explore opportunities for device repurposing in the City of Hamilton as well as training and education programs for those in need. Along with that, looking to explore what challenges are being faced by the programs that are already in place and if institutions can be asked to consider alternative solutions to dispose of their technology.
City Staff: Cyrus Tehrani, Chief Digital Officer, City of Hamilton; Jasleen Arora, Senior Project Manager, City of Hamilton
Deliverables: Primary Research (i.e. conducting surveys and/or collecting data), Secondary Research (i.e. review of literature and finding information from books and online)
Project Start Date/ Availability: Winter 2022 (January-April)
Location: City-Wide
City Strategy Priority: Economic Prosperity and Growth, Community Engagement and Participation, Built Environment and Infrastructure
