Michigan computer recycling program introduced

Lansing, MI— Goodwill Association of Michigan and Dell introduced RECONNECT Michigan, a comprehensive computer recovery, reuse and environmentally responsible recycling opportunity for Michigan consumers.

The pilot program offers drop-off recycling and reuse options for unwanted computers at no charge to consumers across the state, and gives them the opportunity to support a local charity.

The launch of this program follows a recent decision by the Michigan Department of Information Technology to have Dell manage asset-retirement services for state-owned computer equipment. That program is also available to local governments, schools and other non-profits statewide.

RECONNECT Michigan uses the donations infrastructure of a nonprofit and the experience and recycling resources of a technology company to offer a proactive, community-based solution designed for environmentally responsible computer disposal. The partnership’s goal is to divert at least 3.3 million pounds of used computers and computer equipment from landfills over one year and to provide education on the importance of proper computer disposal while creating job opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers throughout Michigan.

Goodwill Industries of Central Texas and Goodwill Industries of San Francisco have partnered with Dell on similar pilot programs. Success of these pilots has prompted Dell and Goodwill to implement a regional version of the program across Michigan.

The 11 Goodwill members of the Goodwill Association of Michigan will accept donations of residential computer equipment of any brand. The unwanted computers will be collected, sorted and consolidated by Goodwill. Equipment with resale value will be separated and entered into Dell’s Asset Recovery Services value-recovery processes. Proceeds from equipment recovery will be returned to the Goodwill Association of Michigan for re-investment in a variety of job-creation and other community programs. Equipment without resale value will be recycled; responsible recycling will be handled by Electronic Partners Corp. (ePC) under stringent Dell guidelines. ePC is a part of Chasm Industries, a firm that specializes in electronic asset management and recycling services.