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June 7 , 2006

Phase II of RECONNECT Michigan Begins June 1
Goodwill's Industrial Services Center workers now de-manufacture computers on-site

MUSKEGON, MI — Goodwill Industries entered into phase II of RECONNECT Michigan, a statewide computer-recycling program that was launched last October. RECCONNECT Michigan provides this computer recovery, reuse and recycling service FREE to residents throughout the state. The project is managed by a partnership between Goodwill Association of Michigan and Dell Inc.

Up until now, Goodwill’s role has been collection, sorting, palletizing and transporting the equipment to a third-party recycler. Beginning June 1, Goodwill workers have taken on the additional task of the initial de-manufacturing of computers deemed “end of life.” “De-manufacturing” equates to complete disassembly and sorting of components such as the hard drives, memory chips, fans, cables, plastic casing, screws, etc. Newer computers are sorted out and separated for refurbishing and sale through recycling partner re.Source Partners of Mount Clemens. Locally, Goodwill Industries of West Michigan (GIWM), headquartered in Muskegon, is engaging four client workers who are developmentally disabled or disadvantaged, plus one trainer/supervisor to operate the program in the West Michigan territory, producing 450-500 computers per week.

Since the program began in October RECONNECT Michigan has collected more than 1.5 million pounds of unwanted electronics or more than 70,000 units.

“The program has so many positives,” said GIWM President Richard Carslon. “It’s a free service to the community, it keeps a significant amount of electronic waste from entering our landfills, and it provides jobs and paychecks to persons with disabilities and other barriers to employment — which is what Goodwill is all about.“

Computers recycled through RECONNECT Michigan are either refurbished and resold, or responsibly recycled. Funds raised through the refurbishment and resale of computers and computer components are channeled back into the program for workers’ wages.

“RECONNECT brings convenient computer recycling to consumers across Michigan and furthers Goodwill’s mission of job creation at the same time.” Goodwill Association of Michigan Executive Director Susanne Fredericks, said.

For more information, please visit www.reconnectpartnership.com

About Goodwill Association of Michigan
Formed in 1990, the Goodwill Association of Michigan (GAM) is comprised of 11 of 173 autonomous Goodwills in North America. As members of the world’s largest nonprofit provider of employment and training services for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment, GAM pursues and coordinates statewide partnerships and collaborative efforts that help breakdown employment barriers for thousands of individuals each year in Michigan. Through training, work experience and job placement services, GAM members help men and women become independent, self-supporting citizens.

Contact:
Susanne Fredericks, Executive Director
(517) 605-3189

Liz Witzler, Marketing Director
(231) 722-7871 x223

Established in 1950, GIWM has been helping people lead more independent lives for over 50 years. Goodwill offers a wide range of programs and services all with the common theme of helping people overcome barriers to employment. Ninety percent of the revenue generated from the sale of donated goods is channeled back into Goodwill’s job training and placement programs. In 2005 alone, GIWM provided employment services to 5,958 people in West Michigan.