America Recycles Day
America Recycles Day
Tech for Good: Donating Used Devices on America Recycles Day Helps the Environment and Communities
When most people think of Goodwill(R), our stores and donation centers come to mind. While we’re proud of our role in giving new life to the things you used to love, our mission is so much more. We’re not just in the business of recycling things – we’re in the business of recycling potential.
In 2023, Palmetto Goodwill diverted over 500,000 pounds of e-waste from landfills. But numbers only tell part of the story. Behind each recycled laptop lies an opportunity – someone learning new skills, securing meaningful employment, or accessing the digital world for the first time.
As America Recycles Day approaches on Nov. 15, remember true sustainability isn’t just about environmental stewardship – it’s about transformation. We’ve created a virtuous cycle where yesterday’s technology becomes tomorrow’s opportunity. I invite you to become part of this cycle by donating your used computers and other electronics. You can visit palmetto.org/donate to find your nearest donation location.
Every device you donate triggers a cascade of positive change. That outdated laptop gathering dust in your drawer could become a training tool for a future IT professional or a student’s gateway to online education. It might help a job seeker access critical resources or connect a family to telehealth services.
The digital divide isn’t just a technology gap – it’s an opportunity gap. In today’s increasingly connected world, access to technology isn’t a luxury; it’s a prerequisite for participation in the modern economy. When we talk about e-waste, we’re not just discussing environmental impact – we’re addressing digital equity, economic opportunity, and social mobility.
On this America Recycles Day, I challenge you to think differently about waste – both material and that of human potential. When you donate your electronics to Goodwill, you’re not just keeping them out of landfills; you’re investing in people, in potential, in possibility. Together, we can create a future where sustainability and opportunity aren’t just compatible – they’re inseparable.
Let’s not waste things. Let’s not waste potential. Let’s not waste our chance to make a difference.
Brian Itzkowitz
President and CEO, Palmetto Goodwill
