A good place for e-waste

Fast, easy and free spring cleaning

For years, Goodwill stores have been the place to drop off your gently used clothing and household goods. Now they’re also state-certified drop-off locations for your electronic waste, or e-waste—TVs, computer monitors, cell phones and such. Kimberly Scrafano, director of community and fund development for East Bay Goodwill Industries, says Goodwill has been collecting e-waste since 2005. “In 2003, state Senator Byron Sher introduced SB 20, the Electronic Waste Recycling Act. Goodwill was at the table to make sure we [were] part of the program because we collect so much e-waste anyway.”
    Ryan Rubio, manager of East Bay Goodwill’s recycling and resource recovery, says, “We collect everything but batteries, fluorescent bulbs and white e-waste—washers and dryers, dishwashers and refrigerators. We send the stuff to recyclers who handle the hazardous components properly. It’s good for Californians because they can hand in their e-waste at no cost. The money we get for poundage goes back into the community.” Goodwill gets 25 cents per pound for CRTs, 10 cents per pound for CPUs and two cents a pound for electronic scrap like keyboards, computer cables, and mice. Scrafano says Goodwill uses money for their job training and placement programs. “We have programs that provide housing, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and employment training. We also provide job training to people with disabilities.”
    John Sweet, director of special operations at Sacramento Goodwill, says Yolo County stores focus on recycling TVs, computer monitors and CPUs, and small kitchen appliances such as microwaves and blenders. “[Our] recycling vendor refurbishes them for resale or breaks them
down into basic components for recycling. Our goal is to fulfill our commitment to divert hazardous materials from landfills and dumps.”
    Goodwill also conducts e-waste collection events in the Solano Westfield Mall parking lot—easy access for drop-off.
    One challenge Goodwill faces is items being dropped off in the rain. “The money we spend cleaning that stuff up takes money from the community we serve,” says Rubio. “It’s a good idea to drop off donations and e-waste during our business hours.” Schools and businesses that have a large amount of e-waste can call Rubio at (510) 698-7239 for pickup.

For more information, visit East Bay Goodwill Industries or Sacramento Goodwill.

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