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Goodwill Works Toward Safe Solutions to Electronic Waste

GII Chairman Testifies Before Congressional Panel

September 8, 2005

Rockville, MD – Goodwill Industries International Chairman Gerald L. Davis today outlined to Congress the role of various stakeholders, including government, businesses, and charities, in dealing with the growing problem of electronic waste.  Mr. Davis, who is also the President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Central Texas (Austin), testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, in Washington, D.C., today.

“We believe the federal government can play a vital role in assisting the development and sustainability of a recycling/reuse infrastructure,” said Gerald L. Davis, Chairman Goodwill Industries International.  “This can be done through tax credits for manufacturers and consumers, recycling grants, and other initiatives that could spur innovative solutions and help stakeholders handle this problem.”  

Goodwill Industries International is a member of the Congressional E-Waste Working Group, a bipartisan group consisting of members of the U.S. House of Representatives and other stakeholders working together to discuss end-of-life management solutions that are mutually beneficial.    

In his testimony, Davis discussed the growing trend of computer donations and other electronic devices to Goodwill agencies over the past decade.  “Nearly all Goodwill agencies receive computers through their donation streams, said Davis.  “Last year, Goodwill handled over 23 million pounds of computers. Most of these donations are unusable and safely recycling or disposing of these products directly impacts our job training and career services.”  

In response to this trend, a number of Goodwill agencies have come together to find innovative solutions to this problem.  Davis’s testimony focused on these business-to-business solutions and possible policy avenues.    

“Through pilot programs with computer companies like Dell, Inc., county and city governments, as well as other organizations, Goodwill Industries is exploring socially responsible ways of managing used electronics in a cost-effective manner,” said Davis.  “A Goodwill Industries task force has researched the issue and has identified innovative e-recycling models that have so far been successful in meeting Goodwill Industries' revenue goals, concern for the environment, and most importantly, our mission of putting people to work.”