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SimplyEwaste: High School Senior’s Remarkable Impact Through Turning E-Waste into Technological Opportunities
In a day and age defined by ever-evolving technology, one young entrepreneur stands out with his distinctive approach to addressing societal needs. Meet Austin Schlutter, a dedicated high school senior who has managed to bridge the digital divide while simultaneously plugging a gap in the recycling of electronic waste.
As a student at JSerra Catholic High School, Austin founded SimplyEwaste, a student-led organization that refurbishes electronic waste, giving it a second life and extending the benefits of modern technology to underserved communities. Born in response to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, SimplyEwaste highlights the tangible societal implications of technological disparities.
“I witnessed first-hand how a lack of reliable technology can affect my friends. I knew I had the resources to make a difference and so, SimplyEwaste was born.” shared Austin.
Beginning with a simple ad on Facebook, Austin expanded the reach of SimplyEwaste by leveraging his school’s IT department network, connecting with local businesses to collect their electronic waste. Over the past three years, this initiative has seen him gather a substantial amount of outdated or otherwise unusable technology that otherwise would have ended up in landfills.
However, his endeavors don’t stop at just collecting and repurposing the e-waste. Austin has also taken the initiative in conducting educational classes at his school, empowering individuals with the knowledge to repair their own technology.
But the impact of SimplyEwaste extends far beyond just Austin’s immediate community. Austin has collaborated with charities such as Warrior for Children, Project Self Sufficiency Orange County, and the San Francisco-based charity, Codology, extending the reach of his efforts. His ongoing partnership with fellow schools, including the upcoming December drive with Cristo Rey Orange County High School, assures an ever-growing influence of SimplyEwaste on communities across the country.
Anticipating his departure for college, Austin has ensured that the good work of SimplyEwaste continues. Under the upcoming leadership of Jackson Story and George Joseph, the organization aims to maintain its momentum.
Officially a 501c3 charity in partnership with JSerra Catholic High School, SimplyEwaste not only creates a remarkable story but is also blazing a trail in community service. People who wish to participate in Austin’s initiative, can head over to www.simplyewaste.com and take their own part in bridging the digital divide.
By bringing a new lease of life to discarded technology, SimplyEwaste continues to build on its record of donating over $50,000 to various charities and is showing no signs of slowing down. As Austin Schlutter would say, “One person’s waste could be another’s treasure. We are just making sure it gets to the right place.”