DELL AND GOODWILL LAUNCH FREE COMPUTER RECYCLING SERVICE FOR CONSUMERS IN NORTHWEST OHIO

TOLEDO, OHIO, Feb. 20, 2008 – Reconnect, a free drop-off program to recycle unwanted computers, was introduced today by Dell and Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio.

Reconnect will serve consumers throughout Northwest Ohio.  The program leverages Dell’s resources and global recycling experience and the donation and retail infrastructure of Goodwill.

Reconnect helps protect the environment through the responsible recycling or reuse of computer equipment, and provides residents a convenient way to support a local non-profit organization.

The program’s goal is two-fold: divert nearly one million pounds of used computers and computer equipment from area landfills over the next year; and provide consumer education on the importance of environmentally-responsible computer disposal.  Reconnect also can help create job opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers.

"Goodwill’s Reconnect program has the potential not only to divert environmentally dangerous products from the solid waste stream but also to provide new opportunities for disabled citizens throughout Northwest Ohio" said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur.

Beginning today, residents throughout Northwest Ohio can visit www.reconnectpartnership.com or www.goodwillnwohio.org to locate the most convenient drop-off at any of the 14 participating Goodwill donation centers and retail stores.

Goodwill will accept and sort the donated computer equipment and Dell's product recovery partner will recycle and remarket the recycled materials, such as plastics, glass and metals.  All proceeds support Goodwill’s non-profit job-training and employment programs.

            Residents will be responsible for removing data from hard drives and other storage media before donating to Goodwill.  Goodwill staff will provide donors with a donation receipt at the time of donation.

 “Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio is very happy to begin the operational phase of our partnership with Dell,” said Bob Huber, Goodwill’s President and CEO.  “Responsible recycling of e-waste is critical to our environment and we are excited to offer this program to the communities we serve.  As the pilot for other Ohio Goodwills, we join Michigan and other Goodwill/Dell Reconnect partners around the country in this beneficial community effort while supporting Goodwill’s mission and creating new jobs.” 

“Dell wants to make computer recycling easy and free for any consumer, and ReConnect is an important program that helps make that possible,” said Joe Strathmann, head of product recycling services for Dell.  “Becoming the greenest technology company means partnering with communities, stakeholders and customers to help protect the Earth. Our latest Northwest Ohio partnership is an excellent example of that effort in action.”

Other Goodwill-Dell programs are under way in Austin (15 counties in Central Texas), San Francisco (Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo counties), San Antonio (23 counties in Central and South Texas), North Carolina (49 counties), San Diego County, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, as well as throughout the states of Michigan and New Jersey.

About Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio

Since 1933, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio has provided employment and job training to individuals with disabilities and/or work-related disadvantages. As unemployment increases, so does the need for Goodwill’s services. Northwest Ohio Goodwill stores and donation centers are located in Bowling Green, Bryan, Defiance, Findlay, Napoleon, Northwood, Ottawa, Tiffin and Toledo. For more information on Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, please visit our web site: www.goodwillnwohio.com. 

About Dell

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