Dell, Goodwill Expand Free Consumer Recycling Program to Include Microsoft Products
4/21/2010 - Round Rock, TexasReconnect â€" a partnership between Dell and Goodwill Industries International that lets consumers drop off used computers for no-cost recyclingâ€" is getting its game on with support from Microsoft.
(Media-Newswire.com) - 4/21/2010 - Round Rock, TexasReconnect – a partnership between Dell and Goodwill Industries International that lets consumers drop off used computers for no-cost recycling— is getting its game on with support from Microsoft.
Dell and Goodwill® announced today that in addition to collecting PCs and computer accessories, the 1,900-plus Goodwill locations participating in Reconnect will now for the first time collect Microsoft entertainment products including Xbox, Zune and accompanying accessories for free recycling. With its commitment and contributions to Reconnect, Microsoft joins Dell’s efforts to make electronics recycling free and convenient for consumers.
“The world consumes more electronic products every year, so it’s important to dispose of or recycle these items responsibly,” said Brian Tobey, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft. “Recycling of our consumer hardware products is a major part of Microsoft’s commitment to minimizing our environmental impact and that of our customers. The Reconnect program helps consumers easily and properly recycle these products at the end of their use, and our effort to strengthen and expand this program is a natural extension of our commitment to environmental sustainability.”
Launched in 2004, Reconnect has diverted more than 96 million pounds of e-waste from landfills and created about 250 “green jobs,” with Goodwill employees managing the collection and disassembly of the equipment. Donated equipment meeting Reconnect’s criteria are resold, and devices needing repair are either refurbished or broken down into parts to be recycled by Dell partners. The program supports Goodwill’s job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience, or face other challenges to finding employment.
“Electronics recycling needs more awareness and more industry participation,” said Mike Watson, Senior Manager of Dell Global Recycling Services. “The Reconnect program exemplifies what sustainability practices can mean to our communities – extended life for technology and a successful life for our citizens. We’re glad to have Microsoft’s support.”
For a list of participating Goodwill locations and complete list of qualifying products, visit www.reconnectpartnership.com.
RESPONSIBLE RECYCLING
Consumers recycling with Reconnect can be confident their system is disposed of responsibly. In 2009, Dell became the first major computer manufacturer to ban the export of non-working electronics to developing countries as part of our global electronics disposal policy.
ABOUT GOODWILL INDUSTRIES INTERNATIONAL
Goodwill Industries International is a network of 180 community-based, independent agencies in the United States, Canada, and 13 other countries. Goodwill agencies are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that fund job training, employment placement services and other community programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 2,400 retail stores and online at www.shopgoodwill.com. Local Goodwill agencies also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food service preparation and document imaging and shredding. In 2009, nearly 2 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill's career services. Goodwill channels 83 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services. To find your local Goodwill, use the online locator at www.goodwill.org or call ( 800 ) 741-0186.
ABOUT DELL
Dell makes it free and convenient for consumers worldwide to recycle their computers. For more information, visit www.dell.com/recycle.
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