Business Details
22 Years
experience
Trusted Electronics Recycling Program
Merit has been transforming lives through job training and rehabilitation since 2004. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating within the Northern California Youth Facility in Stockton, California, we specialize in employing and training young adult offenders in all aspects of electronics reclamation. Our program provides incarcerated individuals with market wages, structured financial allocation, and comprehensive job skills that prepare them for successful reintegration into society. Through hands-on experience in receiving, cataloging, restoring, and selling electronics, our employees develop technical expertise in forklift operation, computer refurbishing, and data management. We maintain a 90%+ recidivism reduction rate by fostering accountability, confidence, and hope through structured employment and savings programs.Our self-sustaining model operates without government grants or cash donations, relying instead on corporate partnerships for e-waste recycling and refurbished electronics sales. Recognized by ABC 10 News and awarded the Smart on Crime Award by Senator Kamala Harris, our program demonstrates measurable success in criminal justice reform. Employees receive 30 hours weekly of paid training, with earnings distributed across restitution, room and board, family support, savings, and discretionary funds. Our leadership team combines Silicon Valley expertise with corrections industry knowledge to maintain rigorous operational standards that have earned recognition from both technology and criminal justice sectors.
Services
Electronics Recycling
Data Sanitization
E-Waste Pickup
Device Refurbishing
Job Training Program
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- Employees receive market wages with structured financial allocation
- 90%+ recidivism reduction rate through comprehensive job training
- Corporate partners receive NIST 800-88 certified data sanitization
- Self-sustaining model with no government funding dependency
- Award-winning rehabilitation program recognized by criminal justice leaders
Services
Electronics Recycling
Our electronics recycling service provides secure, environmentally responsible disposal of outdated technology equipment. Corporate clients receive NIST 800-88 certified data sanitization while incarcerated employees gain hands-on experience in proper e-waste handling. This program reduces landfill waste while creating job training opportunities that have successfully lowered recidivism rates by over 90%.
Data Sanitization
We offer certified data sanitization services following NIST 800-88 standards for corporate clients. Incarcerated technicians receive specialized training in secure data removal processes, ensuring complete protection of sensitive information. This service combines technical expertise with rehabilitation, giving participants valuable IT skills while maintaining strict compliance with industry security protocols.
E-Waste Pickup
Our free e-waste pickup service handles all types of electronic waste without requiring special packaging or sorting. Corporate partners benefit from convenient, responsible recycling solutions while our program provides job training in logistics and material handling. This service supports our mission of creating employment opportunities that reduce recidivism through practical work experience.
Device Refurbishing
We professionally refurbish electronics for resale through rigorous testing and component upgrades. Employees learn technical skills in computer diagnostics, hardware replacement, and quality control. This service creates revenue for our self-sustaining model while providing affordable technology solutions to customers, with all proceeds supporting our rehabilitation programs.
Job Training Program
Our comprehensive job training program teaches incarcerated youth marketable skills in electronics recycling, data management, and business operations. Participants receive market wages and financial education through structured earnings allocation. The program develops accountability, technical expertise, and work ethic that prepare individuals for successful reintegration and long-term employment after release.
People
Tom Gammon
Chairman of the Board
Tom Gammon founded Merit after a Silicon Valley career, creating prison training models with corrections experts. He focuses on offender rehabilitation through work opportunities, maintaining program integrity from his Monterey Peninsula residence. His leadership emphasizes practical job skills and financial responsibility.
Questions
How do I schedule e-waste pickup?
Contact us at 209-946-0721 or [email protected] to arrange free pickup. No special packaging or sorting required.
What services do you offer?
We provide electronics recycling, data sanitization, e-waste pickup, device refurbishing, and job training for incarcerated youth.
How does your job training program work?
Incarcerated employees receive market wages and learn technical skills while working 30 hours weekly in our electronics business operations.
Are you certified for data destruction?
Yes, we follow NIST 800-88 standards for certified data sanitization and secure information destruction.
What impact have you made?
Since 2004, over 90% of participants have avoided re-incarceration through our program's job training and financial education.
