Target Goes from Zero to 60 on In-Store Electronics Recycling
Target has added recycling bins for electronics, ink cartridges and bottles to its stores, and Canada is gaining more ewaste recycling thanks to Goodwill and Dell. Read More
Target has added recycling bins for customer use at all of its stores, allowing people to drop off cell phones, MP3 players, ink cartridges and more.
Dell and Goodwill Industries International are also furthering the collection of electronic waste by expanding their computer and accessories collection program into Canada.
Target previously did not have any recycling bins for customers, and now all 1,740 Target stores in the U.S. will collect plastic bags and aluminum, glass and plastic drink containers, in addition to the electronics listed above. “We had been doing a lot behind the scenes,” said Target spokesperson Amy Reilly. “For years we have been recycling shrink wrap, cardboard, hangers,” she said, along with recycling fixtures and other items.
All of the bottles and cans will go to one recycling vendor, the plastic bags will be taken by a vendor that will turn them into composite decking, and the electronics and ink cartridges will go to a company that will either refurbish or recycle them within the U.S.
Goodwill and Dell are also bringing electronics recycling to more people with their Reconnect partnership, which already takes in any computers and accessories at 1,900 locations in the U.S.
Electronics will be collected at Renaissance stores, a Goodwill affiliate, in Southwestern Quebec starting this month, and at Goodwill Great Lakes locations in London, Ontario, beginning in May.
Donated items will be resold, refurbished or broken down to be recycled, depending on their condition. Last year Dell changed its global electronics disposal policy to ban the export non-working electronics to developing countries.
Since 2004, the program has collected more than 96 million pounds of electronics and created more than 250 jobs.
