Arkansans now have access to a more environmentally friendly way of recycling old computer equipment.

It's all thanks to Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, which has joined the Reconnect program created by Goodwill Industries International and Dell computers. Since it began, Reconnect has recycled nearly 50 million pounds of computer equipment.

While computers are safe to use, they do contain some environmentally sensitive materials. These materials can be safely removed or recycled, but only if the computers are kept out of landfills in the first place. 

“Our Reconnect program partners have guaranteed that no donated equipment will end up in a landfill,” said Brian Itzkowitz, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. “The program is a tremendous benefit to Arkansans in that it offers a free, convenient, and responsible opportunity to recycle computers and computer equipment.” 

“The program has also created Green Jobs here at Goodwill, which furthers our mission of creating employment opportunities for Arkansans,” said Itzkowitz. “We are very proud to participate in the program and look forward to its continued success.”

The Reconnect program offers more than 1,000 drop off locations for consumers throughout the United States, including 17 locations in Arkansas. Program goals are to divert used computers and computer equipment from area landfills; and provide consumer education on the importance of environmentally-responsible computer disposal. Reconnect can also help create job opportunities for individuals who have barriers to employment or independence.

“Today we’re making it even easier for environmentally-conscious customers to do the right thing,” said Mike Watson, Senior Manager of Dell Global Recycling Services. “Every technology provider has a responsibility to provide free, easy, and responsible recycling to consumers worldwide. We hope 2009 is the year that brings the industry together around this shared principle.”

There is no charge for dropping off a computer at Goodwill, and any brand of used computer equipment is accepted. Examples of computer equipment that can be recycled through the program are a computer monitor, CPU, keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, or other peripherals that attach to the computer. Goodwill will sort the donated computer equipment, which will be responsibly recycled through Dell’s product recycling programs.

Consumers are responsible for removing data from hard drives and other storage media before donating to Goodwill. Consumers can also request a Goodwill receipt at time of donation.

Click here to visit the program website for drop-off locations and other information.

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas is a non-profit organization dedicated to the mission of providing education, training, and employment services for people with disabilities and other special needs.