Comments on: How to Make E-waste Processing Easier in the US

By: Kim Fox

Kim Fox — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:46:03 +0000

Thank you for the great coverage of Goodwill agencies Paul. It might not be obvious, but all Goodwill agencies are autonomous from each other, although we are all affiliated through Goodwill International. We all face different opportunities with e-waste, depending on local/state regulations and the maturity of recycling markets.
At Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties, we are fortunate to have excellent electronics recycling partners and nothing goes to the landfill. California legislation, SB20 (which reimburses recyclers for computer monitors, TV and any other device with a screen), provides California Goodwill agencies with an economic incentive to recycle. In addition, Goodwill San Francisco and 23 other Goodwill agencies across the country are part of the Reconnect-Dell Alliance. Dell provides an international down stream audit of the recycler we use for computers. Goodwill San Francisco insists on the same standards with our television and electronics recyclers.
Kim Fox
Director of Environmental Business
Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties

By: Diane

Diane — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:39:05 +0000

I saw a really cool video on GreenEnergyTV.com about eWaaste. These kids received an award for it and we can really learn something from their video.
Here is a link to the video: http://greenenergytv.com/Watch.aspx?1640650340
-Diane :)

By: Paul Smith

Paul Smith — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:40:52 +0000

One addition: It’s Mike Thompson, Democractic Representative, not Fred, former Senator. And Goodwill recycles, not dumps CRT TVs.

By: Paul Smith

Paul Smith — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:57:50 +0000

Nice find!

By: NTetsu

NTetsu — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:04:30 +0000

Old 3P article worth checking out: RetroBox

By: Paul Smith

Paul Smith — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:58:03 +0000

All great comments. Thos, thanks for creating a company that greatly simplifies and monetizes the process of e-cycling.
Erich, I spoke to a Goodwill rep from Texas, they very much want to do it, part of their mission is to find new use for or effectively recycle/dispose of what they cannot, and that goes far beyond e-waste. They just want systems in place so that the service they provide isn’t entirely shouldered by them.
Rutton, good question, that’s who the Goodwill person mentioned. Perhaps this person?http://californiaforthompson.com/wordpress/ I’ll ask. Check back.
Dawn, I’m right with you, and increasingly in places other then the US, that’s the case. But in terms of the consumers, I think that it’s those people who, being nudged a bit by the rising mainstream green consiousness, would first think of Goodwill as where to take such things as these.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:36:19 +0000

“is a big no no” …. One of the problems is that most people have no idea this is a no-no, and they really don’t care to tell you the truth. I think the weight has to be on manufacturers to build disassembly into the devices they sell.

By: Rutton T

Rutton T — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:33:25 +0000

Senator Thompson? Who? The senators from CA are Feinstein and Boxer.

By: Erich

Erich — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:42:14 +0000

If this is such a disasterous endeavor for Goodwill, then why do they continue with it?

By: Thos Niles

Thos Niles — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:13:57 +0000

Hi Paul – Thos from Second Rotation here.
Thanks for the mention in this insightful post. There is indeed so much we can all do to help turn the tide of ewaste. We’re working on some projects now to extend the easy, practical solution we’ve developed for regular consumers so that manufacturers and businesses can participate in the solution as well.
Keep up the good work!