Donate your company’s used devices (computer, tablet, smartphone)
Lights On Children, a non-profit organization, is seeking donations of used electronic devices from corporations and other organizations. Donated devices undergo professional data overwriting procedures and are refurbished for reuse by Yokogawa Rental & Lease Corporation. The resulting proceeds are utilized to support children in alternative care. This scheme offers a secure way for organizations to dispose of devices at no cost, while simultaneously contributing to environmental preservation and social impact.
日本語 / ENGLISH
Lights On Children works to ensure the rights and opportunities of children by creating various resources and delivering them in an optimal way. Our primary focus is on children who cannot live with their birth parents for various reasons in Japan, as well as those who provide alternative care such as children’s homes and foster families.
Overview of the Used Device Donation Program
Lights On Children collects used PCs, tablets, and smartphones donated by corporations and other organizations. These devices are processed (inspected and data-overwritten) for reuse through our partner, Yokogawa Rental & Lease Corporation. By purchasing these devices from us, the reuse partner provides funds that we use for our social activities. For donors, this is an opportunity to dispose of used devices properly and without cost, while contributing to society.
* Note: This scheme is not designed to distribute the donated devices directly to children.
Eligible Devices
Personal Computers (PCs):
Desktops, laptops, and most other formats are eligible.
Products from almost all manufacturers are accepted.
Preferably used for 6 years or less.
Tablets and Smartphones:
Primarily Apple products (iPads, iPhones) are accepted.
For products from other manufacturers, please contact us.
Preferably used for 4 years or less.
Terms of Collection
- We generally require a minimum of approximately 30 devices per collection.
- Acceptance may depend on the specifications and condition of the devices. The valuation (final donation amount) is primarily determined by the CPU and storage (Memory, HDD, SSD).
* Note: We do not accept individual donations of personal or household devices.
Secure Processing by Yokogawa Rental & Lease Corporation
Free Collection
The entire process — from collection and reuse to the issuance of a “Data overwriting work completion report” — is generally free of charge. (Additional costs may apply for specific data overwriting methods or multiple overwriting cycles) .
With locations across Japan, Yokogawa Rental & Lease can handle large-scale collections of hundreds of devices.
Reliable Management System
Donated devices are transported to Yokogawa Rental & Lease’s technical center for inspection and data overwriting procedure before being reused or recycled. The technical center is ISO 14001 certified and applies the same high-security standards used for their leased property. Also refer to the video mentioned above . Contact us to request a tour of the technical center.
Proven Data Overwriting Methods
Data overwriting is performed using software that complies with guidelines from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), U.S.
Following the process, Lights On Children will provide the donor with a copy of the “Data overwriting work completion report” issued by Yokogawa Rental & Lease.
Donation Process
- Corporations or organizations wishing to donate should send a list of devices to Lights On Children (contact details are provided at the bottom of this page).
- Please include the following information in the list:
- Manufacturer
- Information to identify the device (Model name, product series, or part number)
- Quantity
- Preferred timing and location for pickup
- Lights On Children will review the list in coordination with Yokogawa Rental & Lease to determine if the items can be accepted. Please be aware that we may decline donations depending on the specifications or condition of the devices.
- A Donation Agreement will be signed between the donor and Lights On Children (for the first donation only).
- If requested, a representative from Yokogawa Rental & Lease can provide a detailed explanation of security measures and technical procedures via video conference.
- After coordinating the schedule, Yokogawa Rental & Lease will arrange for the collection of the devices from the donor's location.
- As a general rule, the donation is considered finalized and ownership is transferred at the point of pickup.
- Yokogawa Rental & Lease will transport the devices to their technical center for inspection and data overwriting, then purchase them from Lights On Children. (The donated devices will subsequently be reused or recycled — for example, by being sold by Yokogawa Rental & Lease in the secondary market.)
- Lights on Children will provide a final report of the donation receipt to the donor. This process typically takes approximately 4 to 8 weeks from the date of collection.
- Data overwriting work completion report: Issued by Yokogawa Rental & Lease (including an itemized list of devices). Lights On Children will send a copy to the donor.
- Donation receipt: Issued and sent by Lights On Children. The amount stated will be the purchase price of the devices by Yokogawa Rental & Lease (* Note).
* Note: Regarding tax treatment, donations to Lights On Children can be treated as “General Donations” (一般の寄附金) and are deductible as expenses up to a certain limit under Japanese tax law. They do not fall under the category of “Donations to Certified NPOs, etc.” (認定NPO法人等に対する寄附金) For more details, please refer to the National Tax Agency website (only in Japanese). Lights On Children is also available for individual inquiries if you have any specific questions.
Final use of donations
Our activities primarily focus on children in Japan who cannot live with their birth parents due to abuse or other circumstances, as well as those living under “social care” (alternative care) in children’s homes and foster families. Based on the specific needs and realities of both the children and their caregivers (such as children’s home staff and foster parents), we convert these donations into optimal forms of support. We also conduct research and activities to gain a deeper understanding of their needs.
Examples of Our Activities:
Providing laptops to high school students as they transition to higher education or employment
PC Get Challenge
Organizing creative activities using PCs, specifically designed with consideration for the children’s unique backgrounds
Paso Tsuka (パソつか)
Developing programs to help children prepare for and practice responsible smartphone usage
Watashi to Sumaho (ワタシとスマホ)
Details regarding the allocation of funds and our financial status are disclosed through our official financial statements. We also strive to provide transparent updates and reports via our website and annual reports. See here for Annual Reports and Financial Information.
As a corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability initiative
Donating used devices allows your organization to utilize idle PCs, tablets, and smartphones to simultaneously reduce waste and contribute to child and family welfare. In addition to these social and environmental benefits, the program ensures the secure and professional handling of your information assets. This multifaceted approach aligns with the core pillars of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). As a result, this initiative is highly valued by many participating companies as a meaningful component of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability strategies.
Lights On Children is dedicated to ensuring the rights and opportunities of every child, regardless of their background or family circumstances. We create and deliver various resources — including opportunities for new experiences — in optimal ways to support those in need.
Choosing reuse over physical destruction significantly lessens the environmental burden. Moreover, by circulating refurbished products back into the market through our reuse partners, this program actively contributes to a Circular Economy.
Many of our participating donors have featured this program on their corporate websites, in IR materials, and in internal newsletters. We are eager to have as many stakeholders as possible learn about this work, so please feel free to consult us regarding features or publications in your own media.
Our Track Record
Since the launch of this program in 2014, over 75 organizations (as of December 2025) across various industries and regions have participated.
Our track record includes collections from a wide range of facilities, including urban offices, warehouses, factories, LCM centers, and data centers.
Educational institutions and other non-corporate entities have also participated in this program.
(Newest first)
Voices from Participating Corporations
Latest News
About Lights On Children
Lights On Children is an non-profit organization in Japan. We works to protect the rights and opportunities of children by creating various resources and delivering them in an optimal way. We are financially dependent on donations and grants from the private sector.
Name | Lights On Children (特定非営利活動法人ライツオン・チルドレン) |
|---|---|
Foundation | May 2014 (Corporate status & Ninsho(認証) certificate acquired) |
Representative | Yumiko Tategami, Board Chair |
Address | Park Axis Shibuya #203, 1-4-7 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan |
Website | https://lightson-children.com |
Contact
Point of contact for used device donation, Lights On Children
used.devicelightson-children.com
* We do not handle customer inquiries via telephone. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Financial donations from both corporation and individuals are also deeply appreciated. See the details here.
