Goodwill will recycle electronic items
The electronics recycling movement has expanded its way into the MERS/Goodwill in this area.
The Electronics Drive collected 230 tons during the 2010 drive, adding to the 676 tons collected the last five years, totaling 906 tons of electronics. Items collected included computers and computer accessories, phones (land-line and cellular), clocks, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, A/V equipment such as cable and satellite boxes, and anything with a cord, motor, or battery.
Sharon Summers, donations coordinator said they began working on this project with the congregation of B’nai Amoona and the City of Creve Couer because it was a natural thing to do. They do not charge for the recycling items and they can just be dropped off at the MERS/Goodwill locations. Items are accepted during regular business hours at the Goodwill locations.
“This is a way to keep electronics out of landfills,” said Summers.
All electronics collected are taken to a company in Wisconsin where they are properly destroyed.
According to Dell.com, anyone can donate any brand of used computers and equipment to the Reconnect program. Reconnect is a partnership between Dell Computers and Goodwill Industries. Donations provide technology, education, training and career services for people who are facing economic challenges.
As of April 2010, Microsoft teamed up with Dell and Goodwill to offer product recycling through the Reconnect program. In addition to collecting PCs and computer accessories, the 1,900 plus Goodwill locations participating in the Reconnect can now collect Microsoft entertainment products, including Xbox, Zune and accompanying accessories for free recycling.
The partnership works because Goodwill has a network or stores and donation centers, and tremendous experience accepting used goods. Dell is committed to responsible consumer recycling program. Working together, they can make computer recycling readily available and increase awareness of the importance of responsible recycling.
If you are interested in the Reconnect program, find out if Reconnect will accept your items. Find a drop off location, use the find location feature on Dell.com to find a spot. Drop off your items, most items can be dropped off at a Goodwill location. The donated items have value as a whole system, parts, or raw materials, including metal, plastics and glass. All proceeds return to the Goodwill to help support their mission of putting people to work.
Recycled items are computers and all of their accessories, networking and telecommunications equipment such as phones (home or cell) and clocks, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, A/V equipment including cable and satellite boxes, home electronics and appliances and any item with gasoline engines, motor or battery.
MERS/Goodwill locations locally are 840 Valley Creek Dr., Farmington, 20 Main Street, Festus and 1255 North Truman Boulevard, Crystal City
MERS/Goodwill is a non-profit agency that provides for the vocational needs of individuals who have barriers to employment through disability or economic disadvantage. Annually serving more than 13,000 people, the organization operates 38 service centers in 53 counties in the bi-state area. Revenues from 40 Goodwill stores and the auto donation program assist with funding MERS/Goodwill job training and employment services. MERS/Goodwill is a proud member of the United Way.
For more information about MERS/Goodwill or to find a Goodwill donation center near you, call 314-241-3464 or visit www.mersgoodwill.org.
