About Tech Toss
The Story Behind Tech Toss
Our Founder, Dakota Rose, was born and raised in Chico, California. Since childhood, Dakota had a passion for tinkering with computers and telling stories through multimedia and film. After high school, he honed his skills and interests at Butte College and later at the University of California, Berkeley, where he found numerous outlets to explore the creative potential of technology.
Dakota moved to Hollywood post-graduation and pursued a career in video editorial, where he worked on promotional materials and film trailers for major studios including Disney, Disney Plus, Pixar, Marvel, Fox, LucasFilm Ltd, and Hulu. During his time in Los Angeles, Dakota noticed a significant issue: many studios lacked a proper recycling plan for their outdated computers, often tossing them out behind the studio backlots.
In his spare time, Dakota would rescue these discarded machines, refurbish them, and find them new homes. His friends and family continue to benefit from these repurposed workstation computers, once used for editing high-budget film trailers and now repurposed for everyday tasks like checking email and browsing the web.
An Innovative Mission
Dakota’s experience in Hollywood demonstrated that access to technology can be a primary barrier to individual success. Inspired by this realization, Dakota founded Tech Toss with a mission to bridge the gap. In 2022 Dakota moved back to Chico to return to a slower lifestyle and to dedicate more time to Tech Toss.
His main goal is to provide access to technology for those in need, ensuring that the abundance of hardware in high-earning industries can continue to serve a purpose. This innovative approach not only supports environmental sustainability but also empowers individuals by providing them with the tools they need to succeed.
Making a Positive Impact
Tech Toss is not just a business; it's a mission-driven community initiative that aims to bridge the digital divide and empower the technologically disadvantaged. We are an E-waste upcycler with a heart, committed to breathing new life into abandoned computers and gadgets, transforming them into powerful tools that can change lives.
Through our innovative upcycling process, we give old computers and devices a second chance to shine, extending their lifecycle and reducing the environmental impact of electronic waste.
More Than E-Waste Recycling
Tech Toss is about more than just hardware. We are a community hub dedicated to learning and creativity. Our workshops are open to anyone eager to explore a world of topics such as multimedia art applications, computer basics, and career development. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned artist, our training sessions provide a space to enhance your skills and unleash your creative potential.
Join us on our journey to make technology accessible to all. As we breathe life into discarded devices, we are also breathing life into dreams, aspirations, and opportunities. Together, we can close the digital gap, foster innovation, and create a more inclusive digital landscape.