FAQ - Pittsburgh
What are you launching?
Reconnect Pittsburgh is a comprehensive computer recovery, reuse and environmentally responsible recycling opportunity for residents of the greater Pittsburgh area.
How did you choose Pittsburgh for this program?
Goodwill of Pittsburgh has a focus on computer collection in place and we were able to leverage experience from Reconnect programs in other parts of the country. Both partners feel there is a need for free computer recycling in the greater Pittsburgh area to protect the local environment and build the community.
Is this the first Goodwill and Dell alliance?
Dell has also worked with Goodwill Industries of Central Texas, Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, Goodwill Association of Michigan, Goodwill Industries of San Antonio and Goodwill Industries of San Diego.
Is this a permanent program?
The project will be evaluated quarterly and its continuation will be based on its success. The alliance hopes to identify a sustainable electronics recycling offering for the consumer in this region.
How much does it cost?
There is no-charge to drop off any brand of used computer at any Goodwill donations site. The computer can be working or non-working.
Where is this program available?
The program is available to residents in the Pittsburgh region. Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania serves all of southwestern Pennsylvania and north central West Virginia .
What happens to the computers that are collected?
Any brand of computer or computer equipment, working or non-working, will be accepted. Goodwill will accept donated computer equipment from residents at all retail stores and donation centers in greater Pittsburgh . Goodwill will consolidate and sort the equipment and it will then be transferred to a Dell product recovery partner. Equipment with remaining value will be refurbished and resold and will support its non-profit job training and community programs. All equipment that cannot be refurbished is responsibly recycled.
What do you do about data on the hard drive?
Residents are advised to remove all personal data from their hard drives before donating a computer. Residents are further advised they should wipe their drive before donation – a number of programs to do this are available online. Neither Goodwill nor Dell are liable for data removal or protection.
Can residents drop off TVs and other electronics at Goodwill?
The program is intended to encourage recycling of computers and computer equipment in any condition. Examples of computer equipment are a monitor, CPU, keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner and other peripherals that attach to the computer. Any brand of computer equipment is accepted.
Is it tax deductible?
The donation to Goodwill may be tax deductible. Consumers who drop off a computer at a Goodwill location can request a receipt for their donation. Residents should always check with a qualified financial advisor regarding tax issues.
What is Dell's role in this program?
As part of the alliance, Dell provides the operational expertise necessary to ensure that the program meets the highest industry standards in environmental health and safety. The Reconnect program is part of Dell's commitment to providing consumers easy, convenient and free computer recycling.
What is Goodwill's role in this program?
Goodwill provides the donations infrastructure and will accept donated computer equipment from residents at all retail stores and donation centers in the Pittsburgh area. Goodwill will consolidate and sort the equipment. All equipment that cannot be refurbished is responsibly recycled. All proceeds from refurbished computer sales will support its non-profit job training and community programs.
Is Goodwill profiting from this program?
Just like the other generously donated goods that Goodwill re-sells, proceeds from the computers that are refurbished and resold help provide community and job-training services for individuals with barriers to employment in the greater Pittsburgh area.
Who is handling the refurbishment and recycling?
Goodwill employees will handle consolidation and sorting of donated computer equipment.
Is a vendor providing recycling? Who is it?
Equipment that cannot be refurbished is responsibly recycled. Dell ensures that this recycler meets Dell's standards for recycling processes and practices. This is enforced through contract, regular business reviews and audits.
When will the program be extended to more cities?
The project will be evaluated quarterly to make sure it's structure is sustainable. As results of the program are analyzed it may be shared with other cities at any time.
Why is Dell involved in this project when you already offer free recycling?
Dell's commitment is to find easy, convenient and free recycling solutions for consumers. This is a test of a recycling option that may be viable in many communities across the U.S. Dell continues to test ways that may increase recovery of used computers from consumers. Dell plans to continue to operate our consumer home pick-up offer as well.
How much money did each of the partners contribute to the project?
We are not releasing exact amounts but they were minimal commitments from each partner to get the program up and running. The project is designed to become self sufficient once it is operational.
What is your goal for this program? Units collected? Units resold? Units recycled?
The goals of the program are to divert more than 2 million pounds of used computers and computer equipment from landfills over the next year and to educate area residents on the importance of recycling used electronics.
What is the cost for recycling and who is covering it?
This program is designed to eventually be self-sustaining and support Goodwill's mission with proceeds. The first goal will be to refurbish systems and parts for resale. Proceeds from these sales will help cover the cost of managing the program and recycling of other equipment. After program costs are covered, remaining proceeds are invested in Goodwill's job-creation and community programs.
How do you handle destroying data on hard drives?
Residents are advised to remove all personal data from their hard drives before donating a computer. Residents are further advised they should wipe their drive before donation – a number of programs to do this are available online. Neither Goodwill nor Dell are liable for data removal or protection.
Hard drives that are viable for refurbishment are wiped to Department of Defense standards.
Hard drives that are viable for refurbishment are wiped to Department of Defense standards.
How is environmentally-sensitive material found in computers handled?
Dell is continually working to reduce or eliminate the use of environmentally-sensitive materials from our products. The recycling process and recycling workplace are managed to the most stringent environmental standards to ensure a safe workplace.
Why did Goodwill of Pittsburgh choose Dell as a partner?
Dell's commitment to high standards for recycling; providing solutions to make recycling easy, convenient and free; and a commitment to developing a program that supports community and Goodwill needs for computer recycling were all factors.