02 Oct Wired Wisconsin partners with Goodwill Industries to promote e-waste recycling
Wired Wisconsin has partnered with three Wisconsin Goodwill agencies—Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, South Central Wisconsin and Northern Wisconsin—to promote education and the responsible recycling of e-waste. After the Electronic Products Recycling Bill (SB 107) passed through the Wisconsin State Legislature September 22, 2009, Wired Wisconsin strongly encouraged Governor Doyle to sign the bill into law so consumers have safer options when getting rid of old computers and other electronics containing harmful chemicals.
Goodwill Industries International—along with Dell Inc.—founded the Reconnect program in 2004 to provide consumers with a convenient, free and responsible drop-off and recycling service for old and broken computers and electronics. E-waste, or electronic waste, can contain environmentally sensitive material, making normal disposal unsafe.
Wired Wisconsin is partnering with the Goodwill Agencies to increase awareness of the Reconnect program and the importance of safe e-waste disposal through special educational and collection events throughout Wisconsin.
“Wired Wisconsin is proud to partner with these Goodwill agencies to help promote the safe disposal of electronic equipment,” said Wired Wisconsin Executive Director of Thad Nation. “Our organization is committed to setting an environmentally conscious example for our state, and promoting responsible e-waste recycling practices is a great way to do that.”
“The Reconnect program has diverted over 79 million pounds of electronic equipment from landfills nation-wide,” said Barbara Leslie, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of South Central Wisconsin. “Through our partnership with Wired Wisconsin, we believe the residents of South Central Wisconsin will be better informed on the issue of e-waste.”
“In its advocacy for rural broadband deployment, Wired Wisconsin has already displayed a substantial commitment to Northern Wisconsin,” said Jim Borowski, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. “It is our hope that this partnership will increase the responsible recycling of electronic equipment in our region.”
“Wired Wisconsin has been an enthusiastic supporter of technology advancement throughout the state. We are excited to be partnering with this organization to improve recycling practices in Southeast Wisconsin,” said John Miller, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin.
Forty-Seven Wisconsin Goodwill locations are currently accepting computer and electronics equipment for recycling. Consumers dropping off equipment can request a donation receipt for tax purposes.