Reconnect San Antonio is a comprehensive computer recovery, reuse and environmentally responsible recycling opportunity for residents of the greater San Antonio area.

Goodwill of San Antonio has a focus and program for computer recycling already (Computerworks) and we were able to leverage experience from Reconnect Austin to expand the program in Texas. Both partners feel there is a need for free computer recycling in the greater San Antonio area to protect the local environment and build the community.

Dell has also worked with Goodwill Industries of Central Texas, Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, Goodwill Association of Michigan and Goodwill Industries of San Diego.

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.

There is no-charge to drop off a used computer at any Goodwill donations site.

The program is available to residents in the San Antonio region. Goodwill Industries of San Antonio covers 23 counties in central and south Texas.

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 San Antonio. Goodwill will sort it for reuse or recycling, and equipment that meets certain standards will be refurbished and resold at Goodwill's computer store at 4914 NW Loop 410. All proceeds from Goodwill’s refurbished computer sales will support its non-profit job training and community programs. All equipment that cannot be refurbished is responsibly recycled.

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.

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.

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.

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 and free computer recycling.

Goodwill provides the donations infrastructure and will accept donated computer equipment from residents at all retail stores and donation centers in San Antonio. Goodwill will sort it for reuse or recycling, and equipment that meets certain standards will be refurbished and resold at Goodwill's computer store at 4914 NW Loop 410. All proceeds from Goodwill’s refurbished computer sales will support its non-profit job training and community programs. All equipment that cannot be refurbished is responsibly recycled.

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 San Antonio area.

Goodwill employees will handle the refurbishment process and resell refurbished computers and parts through their CompterWorks store.

Equipment that cannot be refurbished is responsibly recycled. Goodwill is working with a local recycler to manage equipment recycling. Both Goodwill and Dell are ensuring that this recycler meets Dell’s standards for recycling processes and practices. This is enforced through contract, regular business reviews and audits.

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.

Dell’s commitment is to find easy to use and affordable 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.

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.

The proceeds that Goodwill receives from selling refurbished equipment help fund Goodwill’s programs that provide job skills training to those with barriers to employment.

The goals of the program are to divert more than two 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.

We envision this program being both self sustaining and supporting 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 recycling material that cannot be repaired.

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.

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.

Dell’s commitment to high standards for recycling, providing solutions to make recycling easy and affordable and working with Goodwill to develop a joint-program that both meets Goodwill’s mission and helps meet an important community need were all factors.