To make it even more convenient for consumers to recycle their unwanted computer equipment, Goodwill Industries International^® and Dell have added 445 more ReConnect donation sites to their collection network. The additional sites, located in Arizona, Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Tennessee, bring the number of Goodwill stores participating in ReConnect to more than 1,900 nationwide.

Reconnect, a partnership between Dell and Goodwill Industries International, enables consumers to responsibly recycle any brand of unwanted computers or computer accessories at no cost.

A recent study by Pike Research found that more than 75 percent of consumers see recycling as the answer to reducing electronic waste, and 37 percent think recycling their unwanted technology should be a free service.

Celebrating Five Years of Sustainability, Green Jobs Creation

The first ReConnect program began in Austin, Texas, in 2004. To date, Reconnect has diverted more than 96 million pounds of e-waste from landfills and and created more than 250 “green jobs,” with Goodwill employees managing responsible computer disassembly and disposal.

“Goodwill is a leader in the ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ model,” said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “The ReConnect partnership with Dell teaches consumers the importance of expanding the lifecycle of their unwanted electronics through environmentally responsible computer disposal. At the same time, it creates jobs and job training for entry-level and green-collar jobs for people in need of work.”

Individuals who drop off their computer equipment at participating ReConnect locations receive a tax receipt, regardless of the brand and condition of the equipment. Consumers are responsible for removing all personal data prior to donation. Donated equipment meeting Reconnect’s criteria will be resold, and devices in need of repair will either be refurbished or broken down into parts to be recycled by Dell partners.

Revenue from the recycled computer equipment 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 employment challenges.

“ReConnect is an entrepreneurial business model that recycles usable items in environmentally sound ways, creates jobs and preserves our planet,” said Mike Watson, senior manager of Dell Global Recycling Services. “It’s been incredibly successful in its first five years, and it will only become more successful as consumers learn what to do with their computers at the end of their usable lives.”

For a list of participating Goodwill locations across the United States, visit www.reconnectpartnership.com.

About Goodwill Industries International

Goodwill is one of the nation’s top five most valuable and recognized nonprofit brands as well as a leading social services enterprise (Source: Cone Nonprofit Power Brand 100, 2009). Goodwill generates opportunities for people to achieve economic stability and build strong families and vibrant communities by offering job training, employment placement services and other community-based programs for people who have disabilities, lack education or job experience, or face other employment challenges. Goodwill Industries International is a network of 183 community-based, independent agencies in the United States, Canada, and 13 other countries. To pay for its programs, Goodwill sells donated clothes and other household items in more than 2,300 retail stores and online at 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 2008, 1.5 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill's career services and more than 172,000 obtained job placement services. Goodwill channels 84 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) 664-6577.

About Dell

Dell makes it free and convenient for consumers worldwide to recycle their computers. For more information, visit www.dell.com/recycle.

Media Contacts

Michelle Mosmeyer
Dell Inc.
Round Rock, Texas
(512) 723-2408
Michelle_mosmeyer@dell.com