COMPUTER RECYCLING

Did you know? 

• Electronic waste is the world's fastest growing waste problem.
• 2.4 million tons of computer and other e-waste ends up in landfills each year.
• 250 million computers will become obsolete in the next 5 years.
• Computers and related equipment can contain hazardous materials unwanted in our landfills.

Don't Dump.  Donate!

On July 1, 2011, a law went into effect in North Carolina prohibiting the disposal of electronics into landfills. Many people have unwanted computers, printers, and monitors in storage because they are unsure what do with them or concerned about the safety of their personal data. Goodwill’s RECONNECT program, in partnership with Dell, offers a free and easy way for residents to responsibly recycle electronics.  Any brand, any condition used computer equipment is accepted for free.  Simply bring in your donation to a Goodwill store or donation center.  In addition, Goodwill operates a computer recycling program for businesses and governmental agencies.  For commercial pickups, call (336) 201-0830. 

Goodwill diverts over 5.2 million pounds of e-waste from landfills each year.  

Donating a computer is safe.

Donated computers suitable for sale in Goodwill stores are processed using specialty software and U. S. Department of Defense standards to destroy personal data left on all hard drives. Older computers are de-manufactured and hard drives are destroyed.

It's easy and it's free.

RECONNECT offers free drop-off recycling and reuse options for local residents. Simply bring in your donation to any participating Goodwill store or donation center.  In addition, Goodwill operates a computer recycling program for businesses and governmental agencies.  For bulk commercial pickups, call (336) 201-0830.  

Saving the environment.

We at Goodwill are committed to making sure that all computers and related electronics that have reached the end of their useful life are recycled in an environmentally friendly manner, thus preventing hazardous materials from reaching our landfills.

In 2009, Goodwill's RECONNECT program received a Special Environmental Award from the Forsyth CountyEnvironmental Board for significantly reducing adverse environmental impacts, providing a no-cost responsible way to recycle unwanted electronics and supporting job training and placement services in the community.

It's not just the environment that benefits.

Proceeds from the resale value of donations, support Goodwill's mission to help people find jobs and become more self-sufficient.  In the last year alone, Goodwill Industries of Northwest N.C. helped place over 7,000 people into jobs. In addition, donations to Goodwill in good used condition or better are tax deductible.   

Goodwill Certified Computers

As a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher, Goodwill sells used laptops and desktops at seven stores in northwest N.C. (Asheville, Kannapolis, Lexington, Winston-Salem and Conover).  Units start at just $100 and include Microsoft Windows 7 and Microsoft Home and Student 2007.