Press Releases

Dell, Goodwill Expand Free Computer Recycling Program to Seven More States

Consumers Can Drop Off Computers for Recycling at More Than 1,400 Goodwill Locations Nationwide
Date : 6/8/2009
Round Rock, Texas

The News:

Dell and Goodwill Industries International™ are expanding Reconnect, a free drop-off program for consumers who want to responsibly recycle any brand of unwanted computer equipment, to 451 new donation sites in seven additional states—Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma and West Virginia. They’re also expanding the program in Wisconsin to the Southeastern and South Central parts of the state.

Reconnect is now available in 18 states, plus the District of Columbia.

Today’s announcement brings the number of Goodwill stores participating in Reconnect to more than 1,400 nationwide. Goodwill, focused on creating job opportunities for individuals with disabilities or others having a hard time finding employment, plans to hire additional staff to oversee the expanded recycling program.

Reconnect offers consumers a free, convenient and responsible way to recycle used computer equipment. Consumers can drop off any brand of used equipment at participating Goodwill donation centers in their area and request a donation receipt for tax purposes. For a list of participating Goodwill locations across the U.S., visit www.reconnectpartnership.com.

With today’s announcement, Dell makes it even easier for customers to responsibly recycle unwanted electronics. Through its extensive recycling options for consumers, small and medium businesses, large enterprises and governments worldwide, Dell reached its goal to recycle 275 million pounds of equipment ahead of schedule. The company was the first IT vendor to set product recovery goals in 2004, completed the rollout of its global recycling program in 2006 and now offers a free worldwide recycling program for consumers.

Quotes:

  • Mike Watson, senior manager of Dell Global Recycling Services: “We believe it should be as easy to recycle a computer as it is to purchase one. Our partnership with Goodwill makes recycling incredibly convenient for consumers. That it helps create jobs and preserve our planet at the same time makes the program a win all the way around.”
  • Jim Gibbons, president and CEO for Goodwill Industries International: “The Dell-Reconnect partnership with Goodwill is a great model for the technology industry. The partnership has not only allowed us to responsibly recycle and divert more than 50 million pounds of electronic equipment from the landfills, but also create green-collar jobs and skills training at a time when both are very much needed.”

ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL

Goodwill Industries International is a network of 184 community-based, independent member agencies in the United States, Canada, and 14 other countries. Goodwill Industries trains people for careers in fields such as financial services, computer programming, banking, and health care. To pay for its programs, Goodwill sells donated clothes and other household items in more than 2,200 retail stores and online at www.shopgoodwill.com, the first and only Internet nonprofit auction site. The organization also builds revenues, and creates jobs, by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including janitorial work, packing and assembly, food service preparation, and document imaging and shredding. To find your local Goodwill, use our online locater at www.goodwill.org, or call (800) 664-6577.

About Dell

Dell sources more than 25 percent of its electricity needs from renewable power sources.