Dell, Rochester-area group start computer recycling program

You have a new place to take the old, dusty and outdated computer equipment taking up space in the attic.

Computer maker Dell is teaming up with the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired-Goodwill of Greater Rochester to start Reconnect, a free computer recycling program that will create jobs for ABVI workers and keep unwanted computers and other electronic gadgets out of local landfills.

Goodwill retail stores and collection points across the Rochester area are accepting everything from monitors to modems, cables to copiers, and laptops to desktops.

"People use to call us all the time and ask if we could take computers and we had to say 'no,'" said A. Gidget Hopf, president and chief executive officer of ABVI-Goodwill. Now we can say 'yes.'"

The program is expected to take in 300,000 pounds of computer equipment in the first year. The organization has hired two people to handle and sort the incoming electronics at its South Avenue warehouse in Rochester. The workers separate the donations into crates by type of component, including cables.

The items are then picked up by a recycling and recovery company certified by Dell, which will recycle the metal, plastic and other useful materials. The computer company provides free recycling to customers worldwide. It collected 102 million pounds last year, according to Dell.

"This exciting new program is a reflection of our commitment to what we call the triple bottom line — people, profit and planet," Hopf said. "The program will create jobs, add revenue and contribute significantly and positively to our environment."

For Jim Austin, 39, of Greece, who is blind, this is an opportunity to work and learn a new skill.

"I felt very honored to be asked to do this job," he said. "I like to learn to do new things all the time."

The program has been adopted by cities across the country, including Austin, Texas, San Francisco and Pittsburgh. Computer components can contain hazardous materials including lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury and other heavy metals. They also contain valuable metals such as copper and gold, as well as plastics that can be recycled.

There are several companies in the Rochester area that will take unwanted computers for a fee. But much of the area's old electronics still ends up in local landfills.

"Dell wants to make computer recycling easy, convenient and free for any consumer and Reconnect is an important program that helps make that possible," Joe Strathmann, head of product recycling services for Dell, said in a written statement.

ABVI-Goodwill is hoping to expand the program and hire more workers. The organization's mission is to provide jobs, training to people who are blind of vision impaired to help them to become self-sufficient.

Hopf said success will require a little work from the public.

"You can start by cleaning up your basement and bringing in your old computers," she said.