Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina has joined the Dell Reconnect partnership in order to make it convenient and free for consumers to recycle their unwanted computer equipment. This partnership enables consumers to responsibly recycle any brand of unwanted computers or computer accessories to any of Goodwill retail locations at no cost.
A recent study by Pike Research found that more than 75 percent of consumers see recycling as the answer to reducing electronic waste and 37 percent think recycling their unwanted technology should be a free service.
“This partnership teaches consumers that it is important to expand the lifecycle of their unwanted electronics through environmentally responsible disposal,” said Robert Smith, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina. “Not only does this partnership keep e-waste out of our landfills, but it also helps put people in your community to work.”
Revenue from the recycled computer equipment supports Goodwill’s mission of helping people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work. Goodwill serves their mission by providing career counseling, job training, and other employment related programs to people who have barriers to employment. Last year, Goodwill was able to place over 900 people into new jobs and served over 17,000.
Individuals who donate their unwanted computer equipment will receive a tax deductible receipt, regardless of the brand and condition of the equipment. Donated equipment meeting Reconnect’s criteria will be resold and devices in need of repair will either be refurbished or broken down into parts to be recycled by Dell partners. Consumers are responsible for removing all personal data prior to donation, however Goodwill will reformat the hard drive before reselling a donated computer.
“Reconnect is an entrepreneurial business model that recycles usable items in environmentally sound ways, creates jobs and preserves our plant,” said Mike Watson, senior manager of Dell Global Recycling Services.
The Dell Reconnect program was created five years ago and to date has diverted more than 48 thousand tons of e-waste from landfills and has created more than 250 jobs.
For a complete listing of Goodwill retail stores, visit www.palmettogoodwill.org. For a listing of Goodwill locations participating in Dell Reconnect, visit www.reconnectpartnership.com.