Wellesley environmental news: Nationwide device donation program launched; Outdoor watering ban gets stricter

The latest Wellesley-related environmental news:

Computers 4 People launches nationwide device donation program

Computers 4 People, a nonprofit that we wrote about last year (See: Babson student’s Computers 4 People is bridging Digital Divide, promoting sustainability) has now launched nationwide device donation program. The launch was synced with Earth Day last week.

Computers 4 People provides computers and other electronics to students, seniors, refugees, formerly incarcerated people, veterans, and more, while keeping the gear out of landfills. Initially, the program relied largely on businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations for donations, but now has expanded to allow individuals to easily donate their used laptops, smartphones, and tablets for free by dropping them off at thousands of locations.

Donors can now visit www.computers4people.org/donate, fill out a form, receive a QR code, and drop off their boxed devices at a convenient location.

Every device is securely wiped, refurbished, and donated to someone in need, or responsibly recycled to reduce e-waste.

Founded in 2019 by Babson College Dylan Zajac back when he was 15, the organization has donated over 4,500 computers.

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Outdoor watering ban gets stricter

The Wellesley Department of Public Works has issued mandatory one-day per week outdoor watering restrictions due to continued drought conditions and new state rules.

Homes and businesses must follow a one-day per week schedule based on street address numbers, and non-essential watering is banned between 9am. and 5pm.

These restrictions replace the previous 3-day per week alternate day schedule.

Based upon street address numbers, nonessential outdoor water use is allowed according to the following schedule:

•  Odd numbered addresses are restricted to Tuesdays
• Even numbered addresses are restricted to Fridays

Essential uses of water include:

• For health and safety reasons
• Irrigation to establish a new lawn and new plantings between the months of May and September
• Agricultural operations to maintain livestock and crops and vegetable gardens
•  Irrigation of lawns, gardens, flowers and ornamental plants by means of a hand-held hose
•  To meet the core functions to the commercial operations of a business
• Irrigation of public trees and parks, schools, and recreational fields
• Hydrant flushing to maintain water systems and improve water quality

Nonessential uses include:

• Irrigation of lawns via sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems
• Washing of vehicles, except in a commercial car wash or as necessary for operator safety
• Washing of exterior building surfaces, parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, except as necessary to apply surface treatments such as paint, preservatives, stucco, pavement, or concrete

Initial enforcement for these new regulations will focus on notices and education.  If needed, violations are subject to a $50 fine for the first offense, and $100 for each subsequent one.

Questions? Contact the Water Division at dpw@wellesleyma.gov or call 781-235-7600 x3355.