According to DoSomething.org, electronic waste, or “e-waste,” accounts for only 2% of all trash in landfills, but is as much as 70% of overall toxic waste. Staggering statistics. With a little help from Goodwill Industries of New Mexico, you can make a difference.

Goodwill Industries of New Mexico has partnered with Dell to form the Dell Reconnect program where you can recycle your e-waste easily and worry-free. Plus it’s free! Before dropping it off at Goodwill, back up all of your personal information from your computer or device.  Dell will systematically clean the drive—wiping it clean to make sure all your data is deleted in compliance with Dell’s Data Security Policy.  Also, all physical components of the computer equipment itself are broken down and disposed of safely and properly as specified in the Dell Electronic Disposition Policy instead of being disposed of in landfills and polluting the environment. A great deal for everyone. 

If you have e-waste to recycle, Goodwill, in conjunction with the Dell Reconnect program, accepts any brand of computers, laptops, printers, cell phones, tablets, and more (working or not).  You will also receive a receipt from your donation for tax deduction purposes. Be sure to consult with your accountant or CPA for additional guidance regarding any donation.

So, gather up those outdated computers, laptops, and printers and do your part to keep e-waste out of the environment. Additionally, your help creates green jobs and allows funding for Goodwill’s training and job placement programs.  .  By dropping off your e-waste at your local Goodwill store, you are not only helping yourself, you are helping the environment and your community.

About the Author
Christina Chavez is a graduate of the University of New Mexico with a degree in Communication.  She works as a blog writer in Albuquerque, New Mexico and enjoys writing for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico as she takes an interest in job development and community service.