Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh and Dell this week introduced Reconnect Pittsburgh, a free drop-off program for recycling of unwanted computers by area residents.

The program helps protect the environment through the responsible recycling or reuse of computer equipment, and provides residents a convenient opportunity to support a local charity.

Reconnect Pittsburgh takes advantage of the existing donation and retail infrastructure of Goodwill and the recycling experience and resources of Dell to offer a proactive, community-based solution to environmentally responsible electronics disposal.

The goal of the program is to divert more than two million pounds of used computers and computer equipment from landfills over one year and to provide consumer education on the importance of proper computer disposal, while creating job opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers throughout the Pittsburgh region.

Goodwill will accept donated computer equipment from residents at each of its retail stores and donation centers in the Pittsburgh area. Goodwill will consolidate and sort equipment for shipment to a Dell product recovery partner for reuse or recycling.

Equipment that meets minimum standards will be refurbished and resold and all proceeds will support its non-profit job training and community programs. Equipment that cannot be refurbished will be responsibly recycled.

Residents will be responsible for removing data from hard drives and other storage media before donating to Goodwill.

"We are thrilled to join Dell in the Reconnect project. This is an exciting and logical next step for Goodwill's electronic recycling initiatives. Many know Goodwill for having over 100 years of experience in recycling clothing and housewares. However, few know that Pittsburgh Goodwill has been recycling computers for 10 years," said Goodwill Industries of Pittsburgh's President and Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Smith. "Like Dell, we look forward to soaring to the next level of responsible e-recycling."

This program is part of Dell's efforts to provide consumers convenient, easy and free recycling. Dell recently announced a policy of recycling all Dell-branded products at no charge.

Pittsburgh area residents can visit the Reconnect Partnership website to locate the most convenient drop-off location at any of the 33 local Goodwill donation stations and retail stores.

NewsClip: Goodwill Reboots Recycling Effort

8/18/2006