PROGRAM NEWS
New Training Opportunities at ReCompute
November 10, 2008
Thanks to a grant from the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), our ReCompute electronic recycling/refurbishing program is now undergoing a massive expansion with goals to annually train 94 clients in computer literacy and advanced computer technician training.
The beginner-level class will teach clients the basics of office technology and students will have the opportunity to receive an Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3). The advanced class will prepare students for a successful career in the growing computer technician services industry by preparing them for receiving an A+ Certification. Both classes will be located at Goodwill's ReCompute facility in Redwood City.
“My staff and participants here really want to learn. They want to get back on their feet. They want to start their lives over again,” explains Max Jackson, ReCompute Manager. The A+ Certification training will open the door which will open another door which will allow these folks to work for the next twenty to thirty years.”
Launched in 2005 by Goodwill Industries, the ReCompute program has diverted over six million pounds of electronic waste (e-waste) from landfill over the past three years. In addition to our collection of e-waste from businesses, Goodwill San Francisco is part of a national partnership with Dell Inc. called Reconnect that collects any brand of computer e-waste from residents.
“Goodwill is leading the way in California in e-recycling,” says Max. “How we handle it, how we pick it up, how we sort it, how we ensure it doesn’t go to the landfill, and how the parts we break down are being reused and recycled.”
On November 9, CBS News show "60 Minutes" aired an investigative report into the smuggling of e-waste. Reporter Scott Pelley cited the recent U.S. Government Accountability Office study finding 44 electronics recyclers that agreed to sell e-waste to countries including China and Hong Kong, where the practice means high-paying jobs for residents willing to take the risk.
While some companies may participate in these illegal activities, Beth Johnson, senior consultant for Dell's Takeback and Producer Responsibility group, explained that Goodwills participating in the Dell Reconnect program can rest assured while this is a very real problem, it is not one to which Dell contributes.
Johnson cited a number of actions Dell takes to ensure environmental responsibility and safety in its recycling practices:
* Dell's recycling policy (PDF) prohibits its recycling vendors — including those who work with the Reconnect program — from exporting waste to developing nations and uses a third-party auditor to enforce this requirement and follow materials through the tiers of the recycling supply chain to final disposition.
* Dell has been active in its efforts to raise the standards for electronics recycling companies and was an active stakeholder in the development of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "R2" standards released on October 31.
* Dell's recycling service for its Chinese customers requires the same standards for Chinese vendors as the company does for U.S. vendors.
Click here to learn more about the classroom training. To sign up for classes, call 650.642.0055.
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