Boston, MA – The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), along with partners WasteCap, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires, Inc., Goodwill Industries of Springfield/Hartford Area and the Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM), today announced the kick-off of the “Recycle Electronics for Charity” initiative.  The program was developed to encourage Massachusetts communities and residents to protect the environment by recycling used computers and electronics equipment. 

“Our industry is deeply committed to finding new and innovative ways to safely recycle electronic products and protect the environment.  This program will test a recycling model that will also help Massachusetts’ charities,” said Dave McCurdy, President of EIA. “The state has a unique regulatory structure and the electronics manufacturers in our industry want to help find creative ways for the residents in Massachusetts to comply with those laws and do the right thing for the environment.”

The “Recycle Electronics for Charity” program is generously supported and funded by the following representative electronics manufacturers: Apple, Canon U.S.A., Hewlett-Packard, IBM, JVC, Lexmark, Panasonic, Philips, Sharp and Sony.

WasteCap and Goodwill have teamed to oversee the collection, recycling and distribution of the electronics to the charities.   EIA, member companies and partnering organizations will contribute to the funding and implementation of the program, which also has support from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

“Massachusetts is recognized as a national leader in electronics recycling,” said DEP Commissioner Robert W. Golledge, Jr. “This public/private partnership is an exciting next step that builds on DEP’s successful collaboration with Goodwill over the past four years to recycle unwanted televisions and computers.”

"Recycling computers through the charities will help bridge the digital divide in our local communities.  The Retailers Association of Massachusetts and its retail members are proud to collaborate with WasteCap and EIA to best serve our customers and the local charities," said Jon Hurst, President of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts.

EIA and their member companies have been working closely with the Massachusetts State Legislature to establish a system for the safe recycling of electronics.

“I commend the Alliance and its partners for taking the initiative in reusing, recycling and reducing electronic waste.  I hope to see more acts of industry responsibility like this in the future,” said Representative William G. Green, Jr., Chairman of the Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture.

“As the lead sponsor of legislation that obligates the manufacturers to fund or administrate a system to capture e-waste, I am happy to hold hands with the Alliance in this early portion of the journey towards finding a comprehensive and habitual method to recycle outdated electronics products and eliminate them from the state’s waste stream,” said Representative Mark J. Carron.

“By recycling electronics and computer equipment, we are relieving the strain on landfills and municipal resources, while also helping those who may not have access to such high-tech equipment,” said Senator Pam Resor, Senate Chair of the Natural Resources Committee.  “I congratulate the industry for developing this innovative project.”

For more information about the “Recycling Electronics for Charity” program, please visit www.wastecap.org or www.eiae.org . 

About DEP

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.

About Goodwill Industries

Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires, Inc. and Goodwill Industries of Springfield/Hartford Areaare part of a network of 207 community-based, autonomous member organizations that serves people with workplace disadvantages and disabilities by providing job training and employment services, as well as job placement opportunities and post-employment support. With locations in the United States, Canada and 22 other countries, we help people overcome barriers to employment and become independent, tax-paying members of their communities.

About RAM

Established in 1910, to promote and protect retail employers in the Commonwealth, the Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM) today serves the same function it did over 90 years ago—to serve as “The Voice of Retailing” in Massachusetts.  Collectively accomplishing what individual stores cannot, RAM represents the interests of retail merchants of all types and sizes across the state. 

About WasteCap

WasteCap is a non-profit, public/private partnership working with the business community in Massachusetts to develop and implement cost effective programs for recycling, reuse, and waste reduction.