Goodwill's Tech Recycling Keeps E-Waste Out of Landfills
Goodwill and Dell Reconnect have diverted 660 million pounds of e-waste over 20 years, as global e-waste hits 32 billion kilograms.
Global e-waste generation reached 32 billion kilograms in 2022, an 82 percent increase from 2010, according to the United Nations. In the United States, there is no federal e-waste recycling framework, leaving the work to a patchwork of local programs and nonprofit partnerships.
Goodwill accepts desktop and laptop computers, mice, keyboards, accessories, video game consoles, mobile phones, digital cameras, chargers, cables, and internal and external hard drives. To protect donors, the organization uses a device called the Destroyinator to run KillDisk software that wipes data from donated electronics.
In Charlotte, North Carolina, Goodwill operates a tech-specific store called The Grid, with a Grid section also in Shelby, North Carolina. The Grid diverts an average of 1 million pounds of electronics from landfills each year.
Goodwill has partnered with Dell on Dell Reconnect since 2004. Over 20 years, the partnership has kept 660 million pounds of electronic waste out of landfills. Dell aims to reduce scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50 percent by 2030.
The effort highlights how corporate-nonprofit collaborations can address a growing environmental problem, as reported by engadget.com.
Quick answers
What electronics does Goodwill accept for recycling?
Goodwill accepts desktop and laptop computers, mice, keyboards, accessories, video game consoles, mobile phones, digital cameras, chargers, cables, and internal and external hard drives.
How does Goodwill wipe data from donated devices?
Goodwill uses a device called the Destroyinator to run KillDisk software that wipes data from donated electronics.
How much e-waste has Dell Reconnect diverted?
The Dell Reconnect partnership with Goodwill has kept 660 million pounds of electronic waste out of landfills over 20 years.