Dell Expands its Recycling Program to Goodwill Donation Sites

Computer maker Dell (News - Alert) has struck a deal with non-profit group Goodwill for extending its recycling program, Dell Reconnect, to more locations in North America.

The deal helps Dell add an additional 319 donation sites of Goodwill to its Reconnect program, offering convenient way for people to recycle old and defunct computing devices.

The expansion, according Good Industries International, may divert another 7.5 million pounds of unwanted electronics from landfills annually.

The deal takes Dell Reconnect to 77 additional counties across Florida, Ohio, Alabama, and Kansas. There are now more than 2,600 Goodwill drop-off locations in the U.S. and Canada giving more than 6.8 million households access to free electronics recycling.

Since 2004, Dell Reconnect has recycled more than 230 million pounds of end-of-life computer equipment. The computer giant hopes to recycle as many as 1 billion pounds of computer equipments by 2014.

“Our goal is to deliver the highest quality and most energy-efficient products with the least impact on the environment,” said Beth Johnson, Dell Reconnect Program Manager. “This addition to Dell’s take-back programs extends our industry leadership in ensuring that end-of-life computer equipment stays out of landfills.”

The recycling program generates jobs and training opportunities for people with disabilities and disadvantages, said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International.

“Any revenues from the program enable us to enhance and expand our overall services to the community, and create new work opportunities,” Gibbons added.

Goodwill is a network of 165 community-based, independent agencies in North America, it funds job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 2,600 stores and online.

The company says more than 2.4 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill's career services in 2010.