Computer Recycling Program Launched

Goodwill Industries of the Heartland announces the launch of a new computer recycling program in eastern Iowa and the Quad City area.

Area donors may bring computers and computer-related peripherals to any Goodwill Store or donation center. There is no fee to drop off those items at Goodwill.

Donors are advised to remove any personal information stored in their computer unit before donating it to Goodwill.

Computer equipment will be refurbished for resale, and proceeds will be used to support Goodwill’s mission of improving the quality of life for people with disabilities or other barriers to employment. Equipment that cannot be refurbished or resold will be responsibly recycled.

Goodwill of the Heartland and Goodwill of Northeast Iowa in Waterloo both are joining Goodwill of Central Iowa in Des Moines in accepting computer units. The Des Moines Goodwill began taking units in August. Eventually the computer recycling program will be statewide with Goodwills located in Sioux City and Council Bluffs joining the effort.

Goodwill stores will serve as drop off points for computers and computer-related items such as computer monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners and related peripherals. Residents are encouraged to bring their working and non-working computer equipment to area Goodwill retail stores.

Goodwill employees and clients will handle the consolidation and sorting of donated equipment. Initial projections show that approximately three million pounds of used computers and computer equipment will be kept out of landfills per year through the joint effort.