Dell, Goodwill Expand E-Waste Recycling Partnership

E-waste is a subject we cover a lot here – as much as we love the promotion of new green technology, we also try to stay aware of the fact one should be very responsible in how they dispose of old, less green-focused gear. Did you know you can apparently drop off computer e-waste for recycling with Goodwill? This is a very well intentioned program which the non-profit has been doing in conjunction with computer manufacturer Dell called Reconnect.

The Reconnect partnership, which recently added other another 445 e-waste collection sites across the United States to bring the total up to over 1,900, ”enables consumers to responsibly recycle any brand of unwanted computers or computer accessories at no cost.” Goodwill stores and drop off locations for charitable goods are where the no longer wanted computer equipment can be left “with Goodwill employees managing responsible computer disassembly and disposal.”

Reconnect, which kicked off in Dell’s Austin, Texas backyard five years ago, reportedly “has diverted more than 96 million pounds of e-waste from landfills and created more than 250 green jobs.” Those dropping off at one of the Reconnect locations receive a tax receipt, regardless of the brand and condition of the equipment. Equipment which is still usable will be resold, “and devices in need of repair will either be refurbished or broken down into parts to be recycled by Dell partners.” You need to make sure first though to wipe off all personal data from your computer’s hard drives before dropping them off.

Reconnect [via press release]