Goodwill, Dell Expand Free Computer Recycling Partnership to Canada
Starting today in Southwestern Quebec and on May 1 in London, Ontario, consumers can drop off used computers for no-cost recycling at Renaissance, a Goodwill affiliate, and Goodwill Great Lakes as Dell and Goodwill Industries International extend their Reconnect partnership to Canada.
The expansion adds to more than 1,900 Reconnect locations throughout the U.S. and marks Dell’s latest move to make computer recycling free and convenient for consumers worldwide.
Reconnect lets consumers drop off any brand of computers or computer accessories for no-cost recycling. Donated equipment meeting Reconnect’s criteria are resold, and devices needing repair are refurbished or broken down into parts to be recycled by Dell partners.
“Goodwill is a leader in the ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ model,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “The partnership supports Goodwill’s job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience, or face other challenges to finding employment."
Launched in 2004, Reconnect has diverted more than 96 million pounds of e-waste from landfills and created more than 250 “green jobs,” with Goodwill employees managing responsible computer disassembly and disposal.
“The Reconnect model really works,” said Mike Watson, senior manager of Dell Global Recycling Services. “Donating used goods to Goodwill has become second nature for most people. Reconnect exemplifies what sustainability practices can mean to our communities. It gives new life these old systems – or, at least, their parts – and gives deserving people jobs and skills they need to be successful.”
For a list of participating Goodwill locations, visit www.reconnectpartnership.com.
RESPONSIBLE RECYCLING
Consumers recycling with Reconnect can be confident their system is disposed of responsibly. In 2009, Dell became the first major computer manufacturer to ban the export of non-working electronics to developing countries as part of our global electronics disposal policy.
ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL
Goodwill Industries International enhances the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work. To find your local Goodwill, use the online locator at www.goodwill.org or call (800) 664-6577.
ABOUT RENAISSANCE
Renaissance is a non-profit organization which recovers goods and reintegrates people since 1994. For more information, visit www.renaissancequebec.ca
ABOUT DELL
Dell makes it free and convenient for consumers worldwide to recycle their computers. For more information, visit www.dell.com/recycle.