On Thursday, October 9, 2008, Rappahannock Goodwill Industries along with five other Goodwills in the Virginia Goodwill Network, launched a new computer recycling program called Reconnect with our partner, Dell USA. Reconnect is a recycling program where anyone can donate their old computers, printers, keyboards, scanners, etc. at one of Goodwill’s Donation Centers throughout Virginia. 

Dell USA and other Goodwills across the country have had great success with the program and now residents in the Rappahannock region can benefit from this new and innovative program called Reconnect. Here are a few FAQ’s about the program that will explain how it works.

What is Reconnect?

Reconnect is a comprehensive computer recovery, reuse, environmentally responsible and free recycling opportunity for consumers. Reconnect is an alliance between Dell and Rappahannock Goodwill.

Why did Dell USA choose the Rappahannock area for this program?

The existing areas where Reconnect operates are chosen for a variety of reasons including: the affinity for technology and environment in the communities, the ability and experience of Goodwill organizations to manage collection of computers and the ability to test the program on a regional basis. Any Goodwill is eligible to join the program and Dell and Rappahannock Goodwill share a long-term vision of making Reconnect a viable program in the Rappahannock region. Rappahannock Goodwill met all of Dell’s criteria for the program.

Is Reconnect a permanent program?

Each Reconnect program is launched as a one-year pilot so that various success factors can be evaluated quarterly by both Dell and Rappahannock Goodwill. These factors include criteria such as the volume of equipment collected, the value returned to Rappahannock Goodwill, the number of jobs Goodwill is able to create, etc. (environment responsibility). Dell and Goodwill share a long-term vision of making this a permanent regional and national program. Every Reconnect program that has been launched to date remains available today.

What happens to the computers that are collected?

Rappahannock Goodwill will collect the equipment, consolidate into one location and sort it. Equipment with remaining value will be refurbished and resold by Dell, the resulting proceeds returned to Goodwill. Equipment with no remaining value will be recycled in an environmentally-responsible way. Rappahannock Goodwill will transfer materials to a Dell authorized recycling partner. Any refurbishment or recycling is managed in accordance with Dell’s Disposal Channel Guidelines.

What is the cost for recycling and who is covering it?

It is difficult to calculate the exact cost as we cannot predict how much material will be collected which cannot be refurbished. The first goal will be to refurbish systems and parts for resale. Proceeds from these sales will help cover the cost of recycling material that cannot be repaired. The program is envisioned to be both self sustaining and supporting Rappahannock Goodwill’s mission with proceeds.

What is Dell’s role in this program?

As part of the partnership, Dell provides the operational expertise necessary to ensure that the program meets the highest industry standards in environmental health and safety. The refurbishment and recycling of equipment will be managed by a Dell authorized recycler. This pilot program is the latest in a series of Dell environmental initiatives to increase recycling participation rates and consumer awareness of the need to responsibly recycle computers.

What is Rappahannock Goodwill’s role in this program?

Rappahannock Goodwill provides the donations infrastructure and a sophisticated logistics system to gather and sort the computer donations. Goodwill is also building on its established partnerships with other public and community agencies to generate donations and jobs for people who may have barriers to employment.

How much does it cost a consumer?

There is no-charge to drop off a used computer at any Rappahannock Goodwill donations site where the Reconnect program is operational. Rappahannock Goodwill has also teamed up with the Stafford R-Board in an effort to reduce the number of computers discarded in local landfills.  Computer/electronic donations are accepted at the following Rappahannock Goodwill Retail Stores/Donation Centers and landfills:

Fredericksburg Store & Donation Center – 2336 Plank Road, Fredericksburg (Route 3 Near Home Depot)

North Stafford Store & Donation Center – 72 Doc Stone Road, Stafford (Route 610 beside Giant Food)

South Stafford Store & Donation Center – 736 Warrenton Road, Fredericksburg (England Run Shopping Center)

Tappahannock Store & Donation Center – 1529 Tappahannock Blvd, Tappahannock (Essex Co.)

Culpeper Store & Donation Center – 504 Culpeper Town Square, Culpeper (Bus. Route 29)

Cosner’s Corner Store & Donation Center – 10070 Jeff Davis Hwy, Fredericksburg (across from Target behind Wawa’s)

Louisa Store & Donation Center – 501 E. Main Street, Louisa (next to Food Lion)

Orange Store & Donation Center – 500 N. Madison Road, Orange (Rt. 15, near Food Lion)

Ukrops Donation Center – 4250 Plank Road, Fredericksburg (near Ukrops)

Shelton Shop Donation Center –  905 Garrisonville Road, Stafford (near Bloom)

Salem Fields Donation Center – 7100 Salem Fields Blvd, Fredericksburg (near Bloom)

Stafford County Regional Landfill – 489 Eskimo Hill Rd, Stafford 

Belman Road Recycling Center – 1321 Belman Rd, Fredericksburg

What about data on hard drives?

Residents are advised to remove all personal data from their hard drives before donating a computer. Residents are further advised they should wipe their drive before donation – a number of programs to do this are available online. Neither Rappahannock Goodwill nor Dell is liable for data removal or protection.

Can residents recycle TVs and other electronics with Goodwill?

The program is intended to encourage recycling of computers and computer equipment. Examples of computer equipment are a monitor, CPU, keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner and other peripherals that attach to the computer. Any brand of computer equipment is accepted. Rappahannock Goodwill accepts other electronics such as televisions and VCR/DVD players if they are in good working condition.

What other donated items does Rappahannock Goodwill accept?

Rappahannock Goodwill accepts clothing, shoes, toys, books, electronics, household items and much more. For a list of items that we cannot accept, please go to our web site at www.fredgoodwill.org and click on Retail and Guidelines. Don’t forget, when you are bringing in your old computer for the Reconnect program, please bring in your gently used clothing and household items to our Donation Centers. We want to make your total donation experience convenient and easy.

Are donations of used computers tax deductible?

The donation to Goodwill may be tax deductible. Consumers who drop off a computer at a Goodwill location can request a receipt for their donation. Residents should always check with a qualified financial advisor regarding tax issues.

Is Rappahannock Goodwill profiting from this program?

Just like the other generously donated goods that Rappahannock Goodwill re-sells, proceeds from the computers that are refurbished and resold help provide community and job-training services for individuals with barriers to employment – particularly those with disabilities.

How is this any different from other computer collections in the U.S.?

One of the unique attributes of this program is it brings together the complementary strengths of a non-profit and a corporation to provide a service to consumers. The project may provide a model that other communities can use to provide community-based recycling of electronics.

Will people with disabilities be handling the equipment that comes into Goodwill?

One benefit of the program is that it may help create Goodwill jobs, traditionally jobs that are held by individuals with barriers to employment. It is Rappahannock Goodwill’s intention (and mission) to provide jobs for people with disabilities and funds from the Reconnect program will allow us to continue our mission.

What are your goals for this program?

The goals of the program are to divert used computers and computer equipment from local landfills in the Rappahannock region and to educate area residents on the importance of recycling used electronics. It is also Rappahannock Goodwill’s goal to be able to recycle and increase ALL DONATIONS including clothing and household items through our retail stores. Another goal of the program for Goodwill is to increase funds for our mission and be able to serve more people with barriers to employment – particularly those with disabilities.