PRESS RELEASE: State Launches Tech Share Program for Businesses to Safely Recycle Tablets, Laptops and Cellular Devices

The devices will be refurbished and redistributed to veterans, students, older adults, low-income families and others who need them

PORTLAND, Maine – Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA), the public agency leading the statewide broadband expansion, today announces the launch of the Maine Tech Share program, a digital opportunity initiative developed in partnership with Maine’s only nonprofit device refurbisher, give IT. get IT.

The program enables Maine businesses and institutions to safely recycle underutilized or unused devices, which are then refurbished and distributed to families and individuals, providing the technology needed for participation in today’s digital society. MCA’s goal is to source 25,000 devices, which will be wiped of data and refurbished for redistribution by give IT. get IT.

“Having a reliable internet connection is important, and having an affordable device makes that connection more meaningful in people’s lives,” said Jessica Perez, Digital Equity Manager, MCA. “Getting people a device that meets their needs for work, school, healthcare, or other personal benefits is one of the most direct ways to enable internet access,” Perez added.

give IT. get IT. is a Waterville-based nonprofit whose purpose is to increase technology access and literacy, and is the only licensed and permitted electronics recycler in New England with over 300 active technology partners across the country. Unlike most e-waste disposal services, give IT. get IT. is designed to meet and exceed corporate data security requirements.

"Maine business leaders who value our mission are the reason we have been able to provide more than 20,000 personal computers from Kittery to Fort Kent since 2002," said Chris Martin, Co-Founder, give IT. get IT. "Our partners benefit by safely donating their electronics, and we destroy the data, file compliance reports, and recycle and reuse everything we can to redistribute the technology. The whole process is a win for our partners, the environment and our community," Martin said.

MCA hopes to source 25,000 devices that will be refurbished and distributed to families and individuals over the next few years. Maine Tech Share will engage businesses and institutions across Maine to encourage device contributions. Last year, MCA first partnered with give IT. get IT. to help support the influx of new partners generated through Maine Tech Share.

“A community focus is something that’s part of our core values at Bangor Savings Bank. It’s important to me that our technology doesn’t go to waste, and it’s important to the Bank that we reinvest in our communities,” said Justin Fournier, SVP, Director of Infrastructure and Support at Bangor Savings Bank.

Maine’s statewide Digital Equity Plan, approved in 2024, identifies access to an affordable, effective device for those who need one as a critical strategy to close the digital divide. This is particularly true of low-income individuals and families, with 29% of these households indicating that they did not have enough devices to meet their needs. Age and quality of devices was also a consistent issue for those trying to connect.

“Providing quality technology to students that they can keep offers them dignity in the face of stressors related to housing, food, immigration, and health needs, “ said Ellen Culberson, Director of Social Services - Advocacy Resource Center (ARC) at Southern Maine Community College. “Accessible, reliable technology through this program has been a critical factor in securing holistic success for our students - in the academic, housing, and workforce environments.”

Maine Tech Share will be launched in person at the Maine Technology Users Group (MTUG) 2025 IT Summit & Tradeshow on June 18 in Portland. Representatives from both MCA and give IT. get IT. will participate in a session and will host a booth throughout the day. MCA is simultaneously hosting a virtual webinar on June 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with speakers from and MCA, give IT. get IT., Bangor Savings Bank, and Southern Maine Community College. The webinar is open to the public; registration is required.

MCA has facilitated high-speed connections for 86,000 homes and businesses in the last three years, representing a 26-percent increase in broadband access. To reinforce and sustain this investment, MCA has prioritized partnerships and initiatives that support the adoption and meaningful use of technology with a particular focus on those facing barriers to connectivity.


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About MCA: Focusing on projects, places and people, the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) advances digital equity and works to improve connectivity for all Maine people. Established in 2021, MCA is Maine’s public agency charged with achieving universal access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet service statewide. MCA has three statutory goals:

- Expand effective, accessible connectivity in every part of the state;
- Support the creation of secure, affordable, reliable, competitive, sustainable and forward-looking internet infrastructure that can meet future needs; and
- Ensure that all residents, businesses and institutions in Maine are able to take full advantage of the economic, health, educational and other opportunities available through connectivity services.