TACOMA – Free recycling of TVs, computers, laptops and monitors will start Jan. 2 and Tacoma Goodwill will be a major participant in the statewide effort.

For donors, it’s an opportunity to support Goodwill’s mission. Donations of old electronic equipment – including keyboards, printers and other peripherals – support Goodwill’s job- training and placement efforts. Donations to the nonprofit agency are also tax deductible.

“We offer more than 40 free, convenient drop-off locations across Western and Southcentral Washington,” said Eric Hulscher, Goodwill operations manager overseeing the program. “Participating in the program is in keeping with Goodwill’s reduce, reuse and recycle efforts.”

Hulscher noted donors can take their time bringing in donations. He suggested people go when it’s convenient – “This is a permanent, ongoing program, not a one-day event,” he said.

For information about Goodwill donation locations, go online to www.tacomagoodwill.org. Additional information about the statewide program is available online at www.ecyclewashington.org. For donations to Goodwill of 50 or more units, call Customer Service Representative Debbie Morrison at 253.573.1333, ext. 306.

Most of the material Goodwill collects in the program will go to one of two locations for dismantling and recycling: Total Reclaim in Seattle and IMS Electronics in Vancouver, Washington state. The recyclers must meet state standards to ensure all materials are properly managed. The balance of the items that can be reused will be placed in Goodwill retail stores.

E-Cycle Washington, created under a 2006 state law, provides for recycling of unwanted electronics products. Manufacturers are funding the project and the state Department of Ecology is monitoring the effort to ensure material is processed properly. Tacoma Goodwill is a certified collector in the program.

SIDEBAR
How to E-Cycle with Goodwill

Donating TVs, computers, laptops and monitors to Goodwill is free, tax deductible and can be done individually or through companies.

For companies donating 50 or more units, Goodwill will offer a pick-up service in selected locations, including Pierce County. Many companies are offering Goodwill a tax-deductible contribution in appreciation of this service.

Donations to Goodwill support the nonprofit agency’s job-training and placement efforts. Last year, Goodwill served more than 5,000 people, helping change lives through work.

For further information:

Contact Donations Customer Service Representative Debbie Morrison at 253.573.1333 ext. 306 or email dmorrison@tacomagoodwill.org

For a list of Goodwill donation sites in your area, visit www.tacomagoodwill.org and click on “Donate”

For more details on E-Cycle Washington, go to www.ecyclewashington.org.