FAQ - San Francisco Bay Area
What is Reconnect San Francisco Bay Area?
A partnership between Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties, and Dell Inc., Reconnect San Francisco Bay Area provides free computer recovery and recycling opportunities for residents of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties. The project aims to divert at least one million pounds of e-waste from landfill each year and raise awareness of the importance of responsibly recycling used electronics. Funds raised from operations help support Goodwill's job-related services for individuals with barriers to employment within the three counties.
How does the program work?
Residents of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties are invited to drop off, at no cost, any type or brand of used computer equipment at any of Goodwill's 14 donation sites. If residents have more than 20 computers to donate, a pick-up can be arranged. Once Goodwill collects the donated items, ownership passes to Goodwill. Goodwill then sorts the equipment so that Dell's Asset Recovery services can either resell or recycle the components, diverting all materials from landfill.
How much does it cost me? Is my donation tax-deductible?
The program is free, and donors may take a tax deduction to the extent permitted by law. Check with your tax advisor or visit the Internal Revenue Service website for more information about how to value your donation. Goodwill issues a charitable 501(c)(3) tax-deductible receipt for all donated items.
What can I donate?
We accept any brand of computer equipment, working or not, including:
- Laptops: parts and accessories
- Computers: towers, desktops, portables
- Network equipment: hubs, routers, switches, cables, boards
- Computer Parts: hard drives, CD-ROM/DVD drives, loose PC boards, cables, discs, manufacturer produced manuals
- Software: retail software (with licenses preferred, not required)
- Cell phones, pagers
- Flat-panel screens
- Monitors
- Printers and scanners: model year 2000 or newer only
- Home electronics: stereos, game systems, tape players, and televisions
Does it matter if the equipment is in working condition?
No.
Will you take broken monitors and do they need special packaging?
We do accept broken monitors. However, as monitors include lead and heavy metals, which are considered environmentally hazardous, monitors with broken glass must be placed in a box lined with a large plastic garbage bag. The box must be sealed and clearly labeled "broken monitor" with the date on it.
Do you accept software and toner?
Yes.
What happens to the data on my hard drive?
You are responsible for removing all data from hard drives and other storage media. A number of disc-wiping services are available to help you wipe the hard drive.
Where are the donation sites?
Goodwill accepts donated computers at all 14 of its donation sites in San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties.
Do I need to package my items?
Please place any small items in a bag. Computers do not need to be packaged unless the monitor is broken. If the monitor is broken, please place it in a box lined with a plastic bag. The box must be sealed and clearly labeled "broken monitor" with the date.
How does my business recycle its computers?
Goodwill recycles computers donated by businesses through a recycle and refurbishment program called ReCompute.
What if I live outside of San Francisco, San Mateo or Marin?
Residents outside of San Francisco, San Mateo or Marin are welcome to participate in the program by dropping off used computers at any Goodwill location in the three counties.
Who is involved in the program?
The project is a collaboration between Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties and Dell Inc. Goodwill also partners with the California Integrated Waste Management Board, CompuMentor, the San Mateo County Vocational Rehabilitation Services, and RecycleWorks, a division of San Mateo County Public Works.