Dell, Goodwill Partner to Recycle Computers

Dell, Inc. doesn’t just specialize in making computers. It specializes in recycling them as well.

As it grows its Reconnect program in partnership with Goodwill, which began in 2004, domestic recycling of computers and other electronics is taking off.

Some states, such as Maine, Maryland and Washington, have passed laws to mandate proper disposal of e-waste, but so far there is no national standard. Photo: Thatotherpaper.com

Partnerships like those between Dell and Goodwill are not only good for promoting e-cycling and green jobs in the U.S., but they are also good for the environment as well.

Stories abound about the dark side of e-waste in developing countries. The environmental degradation associated with the lax e-recycling regulations in such countries includes contaminated drinking water, as well as personal harm for those handling the metals and toxic materials hidden inside electronics.

All too often, the electronics that supply this dangerous and unregulated market come from the U.S.

However, the ongoing collaboration between Goodwill and Dell looks to change this by keeping more electronics bound for recycling closer to home.

At a Goodwill computer recycling plant in southwestern Pennsylvania, roughly 2 million computer units are received from donations every year.

The plant does its best to refurbish and put on the shelves as many computers as possible, but for those beyond repair, the plant has applied for a permit with the state’s environmental department to disassemble those parts so they can be sent to Dell.

By doing so, this Goodwill plant ensures that the methods they use and the materials they obtain from demanufacturing prior to final recycling are standard, trustworthy, and most of all, as safe as possible.

On Dell’s end, its free recycle program of any Dell-branded product makes recycling easy. Plus, if you are in the market for a new Dell, the company will recycle your old PC for free, even if it is not a Dell computer.