SAN DIEGO -- Goodwill Industries of San Diego County and Dell have introduced Reconnect San Diego, a free drop-off program to recycle unwanted computers. The pilot program aims to divert at least 2 million pounds of used computers and computer equipment from landfills over one year and to provide consumer education on the importance of proper computer disposal -- while creating job opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers.
 
San Diego residents can visit www.reconnectpartnership.com or www.sdgoodwill.org to locate a convenient Goodwill donation centers. Goodwill will sort the donated computer equipment, which will be recycled through the Dell Asset Recovery Services value recovery program. Dell's authorized product recovery partner will remarket the recycled materials, such as plastics, glass and metals, and all sales proceeds will go to Goodwill to support the non-profit's job training and employment services programs.    
 
“This new alliance will really expand our existing electronics recycling program and further Goodwill’s mission at the same time," said Mike Rowan, CEO of Goodwill Industries of San Diego County. “Working with Dell will help us ensure we are implementing the latest environmentally sound recycling practices.”
 
Reconnect San Diego is the latest in a series of Dell environmental initiatives to raise awareness of the importance of responsibly recycling computers and increase recycling participation rates. Other Reconnect pilot programs are under way in Central Texas, Michigan and the San Francisco Bay area.