Dell Recycling Program Provides Jobs

Dell is teaming up with the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired-Goodwill of Greater Rochester, New York, to start a free computer recycling program that will create jobs for ABVI workers and keep unwanted electronic devices out of local landfills, reports the Democrat and Chronicle.

Goodwill stores in the area now accept everything from whole desktop computers to cables. The program is fulfilling a need in the community, according to A. Gidget Hopf, president and chief executive officer of ABVI-Goodwill.

The program is expected to take in 300,000 pounds of computer equipment in the first year. So far, two people have been hired to sort the collected materials. One is Jim Austin, 39, who is blind. He said he feels “very honored” to be asked to do the job and learn a new skill.

Similar programs have been adopted in other cities such as San Fransisco and Pittsburgh.