Goodwill Industries of Arkansas is participating in the Reconnect program, a program created by Goodwill Industries International and Dell that enables Arkansans to responsibly recycle their computers and computer equipment. Goodwill Industries of Arkansas has recycled over 90,000 pounds of computer equipment to date through the Reconnect program.
While computers are safe to use, they do contain some environmentally sensitive materials. These materials can be safely removed or recycled, but only if the computers are kept out of landfills in the first place.
"Our Reconnect program partners have guaranteed that no donated equipment will end up in a landfill,” said Brian Itzkowitz, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. “The program is a tremendous benefit to Arkansans in that it offers a free, convenient, and responsible opportunity to recycle computers and computer equipment.”
"The program has also created Green Jobs here at Goodwill, which furthers our mission of creating employment opportunities for Arkansans,” said Itzkowitz. “We are very proud to participate in the program and look forward to its continued success.”
Program goals are to divert used computers and computer equipment from area landfills; 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.
There is no charge for dropping off a computer at Goodwill, and any brand of used computer equipment is accepted. Examples of computer equipment that can be recycled through the program are a computer monitor, CPU, keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, or other peripherals that attach to the computer. Goodwill will sort the donated computer equipment, which will be responsibly recycled through Dell’s product recycling programs.
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.
Arkansans can visit www.GoodwillAR.org to determine the most convenient drop-off location at any of the 17 participating Goodwill donation centers and stores and to find additional program information.
