Dell and Goodwill Launch Free Computer Recycling Service For Consumers in Western New York

Reconnect, a free drop-off program to recycle unwanted computers, was introduced today by Dell and Goodwill Industries of Western New York.

• Reconnect offers consumers in Western New York free recycling for any brand of computer equipment in any condition.
• Program goals are to divert over 450,000 pounds of used computers and computer equipment from area landfills over the next year; and provide consumer education on the importance of environmentally-responsible computer disposal. Reconnect also can help create job opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers.
• Reconnect programs currently exist in Austin, Texas, (15 counties in Central Texas), San Francisco (Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties), San Antonio (23 counties in Central and South Texas), Houston (15 counties) North Carolina (49 counties), San Diego County, Pittsburgh, Northern New Jersey, Northwest Ohio and throughout the state of Michigan.
• Dell provides consumers worldwide free computer recycling. In 2007 the company collected 102 million pounds of IT equipment from customers, a 20 percent increase over 2006.

“Goodwill Industries of Western New York is very happy to be a part of the partnership with Dell,” said Florence Conti, Goodwill’s President and CEO. “Responsible recycling of e-waste is critical to our environment and we are excited to offer this program to the communities we serve. We are glad to join other Goodwill/Dell Reconnect partners around the country in this beneficial community effort while supporting Goodwill’s mission and creating new jobs.”

“Dell wants to make computer recycling easy, convenient and free for any consumer, and Reconnect is an important program that helps make that possible,” said Joe Strathmann, head of product recycling services for Dell. “This program is a win on all fronts, it benefits the environment, the community and consumers in Western New York.”

About Goodwill Industries of Western New York

Goodwill Industries of Western New York provides employment-focused solutions to individuals with disabilities and other vocational disadvantages. Goodwill’s job readiness, training and placement programs enable individuals to overcome their barriers, become productively employed, and begin to build personal independence.