Dell and Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey Launch Free Computer Recycling Service

Reconnect, a free computer recycling service from Dell and Goodwill Industries is available immediately for residents in the greater New York City and eastern New York State area.

• 31 drop-off sites in New York City and eastern New York State available
• New York becomes fourth statewide Reconnect program

Reconnect offers consumers free recycling for any brand of computer equipment in any condition. Consumers can find the most convenient of 31 drop-off locations.

Reconnect New York goals are: to divert 1.65 million pounds of used computers and computer equipment from area landfills over the next year; provide consumer education on the importance of environmentally-responsible computer disposal and support Goodwill’s job training and creation programs.

With the launch, New York is the fourth statewide Reconnect program. Reconnect launched in Western New York and the greater Rochester area earlier this year. Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and New Jersey has been a partner in Reconnect New Jersey since June 2007.

Goodwill will accept and sort the donated computer equipment and Dell's product recovery partner will recycle and remarket the recycled materials. Consumers are responsible for removing data from hard drives and other storage media before donating to Goodwill. Consumers can also request a Goodwill receipt at time of donation.

Dell leads the industry in providing consumers free and convenient computer recycling options. In 2007 the company collected 102 million pounds of IT equipment from customers, a 20 percent increase over 2006.

Background

Other Reconnect programs currently exist in:

• Austin, Texas (15 counties in Central Texas),
• San Francisco (Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties),
• the state of Michigan
• San Antonio (23 counties in Central and South Texas),
• North Carolina (49 counties),
• San Diego,
• Pittsburgh,
• the State of New Jersey and the City of Philadelphia,
• Houston (15 area counties),
• Northwest Ohio,
• Sandusky Bay Area, Ohio,
• Western New York State,
• the greater Rochester area, and
• the Commonwealth of Virginia.

With today’s launch, Reconnect offers 606 drop-off locations for free computer recycling to consumers in several U.S. markets.

Quotes:

Rex Davidson, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey said, “Goodwill is very pleased to partner with Dell to expand Reconnect to New York. We are committed to helping provide work for persons with disabilities, who will be employed to accept, sort and prepare the donated computers for recycling. The program has the added benefit of helping divert hazardous materials contained in unwanted computer equipment from our communities. Proceeds from the program will go to support Goodwill’s many human services programs.”

Joe Strathmann, head of product recovery services for Dell said, “Dell wants to make computer recycling easy and free for consumers and Reconnect helps make that possible. Reconnect is a win for consumers, a win for the environment and a win for communities, and we’re glad to work with Goodwill on expanding Reconnect to cover New York City and make New York our fourth statewide program.”

Dell and Sandusky, Ohio-Area Goodwill Industries Launch Free Computer Recycling Service

Reconnect, a free Dell and Goodwill Industries drop-off program to recycle unwanted computers, was introduced here today for residents in the four-county Sandusky area.

• Reconnect offers consumers free recycling for any brand of computer equipment in any condition.
• Program goals are: to divert over 100,000 pounds of used computers and computer equipment from area landfills over the next year; provide consumer education on the importance of environmentally-responsible computer disposal and support Goodwill’s job training and creation programs.
• Consumers can drop off used computers at any of eight Goodwill donation centers across the region. Goodwill will accept and sort the donated computer equipment and Dell's product recovery partner will recycle and remarket the recycled materials.
• Consumers are responsible for removing data from hard drives and other storage media before donating to Goodwill. Consumers can also request a Goodwill receipt at time of donation.
• Other 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, the State of New Jersey and City of Philadelphia, Northwest Ohio, Western New York State, the greater Rochester area, and throughout the state of Michigan and Commonwealth of Virginia. With today’s launch Reconnect offers 575 drop-off locations for free computer recycling to consumers.
• 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.

Ohio State Senator Mark Wagoner applauded the program, stating, “At a time when Ohioans are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment and preserve it for future generations, the Reconnect Program is providing a unique opportunity to recycle old, outdated computer equipment. I personally want to offer my thanks and support to Dell and SBA Goodwill for their efforts and the launch of this innovative recycling program.”

Robert Talcott, Jr., SBA Goodwill’s President and CEO said, “This is a real plus for our communities and the people we serve. We are excited to be working with Dell on this, and I ask others to join me in complimenting the company for what it is doing, not only here but nationally.”

Joe Strathmann, head of product recovery services for Dell said, “Dell wants to make computer recycling easy and free for consumers and Reconnect helps make that possible. Reconnect is a win for consumers, a win for the environment and a win for communities, and we’re glad to join SBA Goodwill in this endeavor

Founded in 1973, SBA Goodwill is based in Sandusky and serves most of Erie, Huron, Ottawa and Sandusky counties. In 2007 the agency provided some 1,400 training and employment services to 711 disabled or disadvantaged individuals.

Only Dell offers free computer recycling to consumers worldwide.

Dell and Goodwill Launch Free Computer Recycling Service for Virginia, Washington, D.C. Metro Area Residents

Reconnect, a free Dell and Goodwill Industries drop-off program to recycle unwanted computers, was introduced here today for residents of Virginia and the District of Columbia area. Virginia is the third U.S. state to implement a statewide Reconnect program.

• Reconnect offers consumers free recycling for any brand of computer equipment in any condition. Consumers can find a drop-off location.


• Each of the seven members of the Virginia Goodwill Network is participating, with the combined territories covering Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metro area.


• Program goals are to divert over 2.7 million 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 can also help create job opportunities for individuals who have barriers to employment or independence.


• Consumers can drop off used computers at any of 134 Goodwill donation centers across the region. Goodwill will accept and sort the donated computer equipment and Dell's product recovery partner will recycle and remarket the recycled materials. Consumers are responsible for removing data from hard drives and other storage media before donating to Goodwill. Consumers can also request a Goodwill receipt at time of donation.


• Other 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, the State of New Jersey and City of Philadelphia, Northwest Ohio, Western New York State, the greater Rochester area, and throughout the state of Michigan. With today’s launch Reconnect offers 567 drop-off locations for free computer recycling to consumers in several U.S. markets.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.

Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources L. Preston Bryant, Jr. said, “Virginia always wants to lead the way in protecting natural resources, building a strong technology sector and serving our citizens. I applaud the work of Dell and Goodwill in bringing free and convenient recycling to millions of Virginia residents through Reconnect, which will protect our environment and support Goodwill’s job creation mission.”

“The Virginia Goodwill Network is very excited about partnering with Dell on the Reconnect Program. Not only will it help generate significant funding in support of Goodwill’s workforce development mission, but it will also put Goodwill in the forefront of statewide initiatives to improve our environment,” said Craig Maclean, the Acting Chair of the Virginia Goodwill Network. “We applaud Dell on their efforts to help keep our planet clean and safe.”

“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.”

The Virginia Goodwill Network is a coalition of Goodwill agencies throughout the commonwealth of Virginia that provide job training and supportive services to people faced with barriers to employment.

Dell is the only major computer manufacturer providing free computer recycling to consumers worldwide.

Dell and Abvi-Goodwill Launch Free Computer Recycling Service For Residents of the Greater Rochester Area

Reconnect, a free drop-off program to recycle unwanted computers, was introduced today by Dell and the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI)-Goodwill of Greater Rochester, Inc.

• Reconnect offers consumers in the greater Rochester area and surrounding counties free recycling for any brand of computer equipment in any condition.
  
• Program goals are to divert over 300,000 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 who are blind or visually impaired or who have other barriers to employment or independence.
  
• ABVI-Goodwill will accept and sort the donated computer equipment and Dell's product recovery partner will recycle and remarket the recycled materials. All proceeds support programs, services and job opportunities at ABVI-Goodwill for people who are blind or visually impaired. Residents are responsible for removing data from hard drives and other storage media before donating to Goodwill. ABVI-Goodwill staff will provide donors with a donation receipt at the time of donation.
  
• Reconnect was also launched recently in Western New York State.
  
• Other 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.

“As a longtime advocate for developing strong electronic waste recycling programs, I applaud ABVI-Goodwill on their local efforts to move us towards smarter recycling policies,” said Congresswoman Louise M. Slaughter. “By providing our community with the opportunity to recycle responsibly, this program will help to protect our environment while creating much-needed new jobs for our blind and visually impaired citizens.”

“ABVI-Goodwill is pleased to begin the operational phase of our partnership with Dell,” said A. Gidget Hopf, Ed.D., president and chief executive officer of ABVI-Goodwill. “This exciting new program is a reflection of our commitment to what we call the triple bottom line – people, profit and planet. The program will create jobs, add revenue, and contribute significantly and positively to our environment.”

“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 the greater Rochester area.”

About ABVI-Goodwill of Greater Rochester

ABVI-Goodwill of Greater Rochester, Inc., founded in 1911, has a mission to prepare and empower people who are blind or visually impaired to be self-sufficient and contribute to their families and communities. Through a variety of entrepreneurial business initiatives, including manufacturing, call center, food service and Goodwill retail operations, the agency is able to support this mission and provide programs, services, career training, and employment opportunities to people who are blind or visually impaired or have other barriers to employment or independence.

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.

Dell and Goodwill Launch Free Computer Recycling Service for Consumers in Houston Area

Consumers in the greater Houston area now have a free recycling solution for used computer equipment. Dell and Goodwill Industries of Houston announced today the Reconnect alliance has been expanded to the Houston area. The alliance was announced at the opening of Computer Works in Houston today.

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


• The Houston Computer Works store, located at 12230 Westheimer, provides an affordable retail outlet for refurbished computer hardware and software in the Houston community.


• Reconnect offers consumers in Houston and 15 surrounding counties free recycling for any brand of computer equipment in any condition.


• Program goals are to divert 1.5 million 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 now covers 57 Texas counties and approximately one-third of the state’s population. Reconnect Houston joins programs in the greater Austin and San Antonio regions.


• Other Reconnect programs currently exist in: Michigan (statewide); New Jersey (statewide); North Carolina (49 of 100 counties); the City of Philadelphia; the greater Pittsburgh region; Northwest Ohio, San Diego; and San Francisco (Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties).

“Goodwill Industries of Houston is very happy to begin the operational phase of our partnership with Dell,” said Steve Lufburrow, Goodwill Houston’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 service. We join Goodwill/Dell Reconnect partners around the country in this beneficial community effort while supporting Goodwill’s mission of serving people with disadvantaged conditions.”

“Dell wants to make computer recycling easy 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. “Becoming the greenest technology company means partnering with communities, stakeholders and customers to help protect the Earth. Our latest Houston partnership is an excellent example of that effort in action, and brings free computer recycling to even more Texas citizens.”

About Goodwill Industries of Houston

In 2007, Goodwill Houston took on an initiative called the Power of Work Campaign to increase services in our community through Job Connection Centers, Stores and Attended Donation Centers. Each time we open stores and centers, we create more jobs in the community which assists us in our mission of Changing Lives through the Power of Work.