Shoppers Find Holiday Gifts at Goodwill E-recycle Stores
December 12, 2017If you need a new computer, wish you had a wireless mouse or want to buy your children a gaming console and games, Goodwill can help. The non-profit organization has e-recycle stores in Richmond and Hampton.
“Good electronics don’t have to be expensive. Our e-recycle stores are special because we offer high-quality, secure devices at affordable prices,” said Andrew Hardymon, Goodwill’s e-recycling manager.
Shoppers can choose from a variety of electronic devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, iPads, LCD flat-screen TVs, smartphones, gaming consoles and video games. Every donated device goes through a five-day refurbishment process. “It’s not just people giving us their old devices when the new iPhone or Xbox comes out. We also get a huge supply of electronics from local businesses, government agencies and other organizations,” said Hardymon.
Proceeds from the e-recycle stores support Goodwill’s mission of creating pathways to opportunities and success for job seekers facing challenges to work. “The majority of our net revenue goes towards fund services and education programs for job seekers,” Hardymon said.
Security is a top priority at Goodwill’s e-recycle stores. Associates use a U.S. Department of Defense-grade program on all donated devices to clean hard drives and erase personal or sensitive information. “That truly sets our e-recycle stores apart from other refurbishment retailers. We know identity theft is a real concern for consumers,” Hardymon said.
All refurbished computers at Goodwill’s e-recycle stores include the latest software, namely Windows 10 (a $129 value), to ensure they are compatible with the latest software, plugins, and security features. Shoppers also enjoy the e-recycle store’s one-time courtesy virus wipe. If any device gets a virus, Goodwill will wipe it and reinstall the operating system software at no cost.
Goodwill also has a partnership with Dell Inc. for its nationwide Reconnect program. Dell takes donated electronics that cannot be refurbished and safely breaks down the devices, protecting the environment from potentially harmful metals and chemicals. “One of Goodwill’s core values is integrity. We always do the right thing, even when no one is looking,” said Hardymon “Our partnership with Dell kept 1.2 million pounds of electronics out of landfills in 2016,” Hardymon said.
For more information on Goodwill’s e-recycle stores or how your organization can donate electronics and create a community partnership, click here.
