Goodwill Seeks Solutions for E-Waste
Nearly all Goodwill agencies receive donated computers. Last year, Goodwill handled over 23 million pounds of computers. Most of these donations are unusable and safely recycling or disposing of these products is costly, and directly impacts funds available for Goodwills’ job training and career services.
Some local Goodwills train workers to refurbish and de-manufacture equipment and resell systems and components, thereby avoiding high disposal costs. Contact your local Goodwill to find out what types of electronic equipment may be donated.
Goodwill Industries has established an E-Waste Initiative to seek economically and environmentally sound ways to recycle and reuse donated electronic equipment. A taskforce, represented by individuals at more than 24 local Goodwills is currently examining:
- Sustainable business models for computer recycling and reuse
- Market trends for used systems and parts
- Related training and career opportunities for Goodwill program participants
- Necessary e-waste advocacy efforts
Goodwill is a also partner on E-bay’s Rethink Initiative, an effort that brings together industry, government and environmental organizations to offer a fresh perspective and new answers to the challenge of e-waste.
