With a business model based on recycling, every day is Earth Day at Goodwill

Goodwill logo colorThe world commemorated Earth Day on April 22 this year. But at Goodwill, every day is Earth Day.

Goodwill operates one of the largest, most unique recycling programs in the area. The non-profit organization’s mission is to help change lives through the power of work. Every donation and every purchase at a Goodwill store funds education programs and services that assist people in finding better jobs and building career paths for a better future.

But because its unique business model relies on donated household items to sell at its retail stores, Goodwill recycles more than 13 million pounds of clothes, computers, appliances, household items, furniture, toys, books and other items each year, keeping still usable goods out of local landfills.

Goodwill collects generously donated items seven days a week at its 18 stores and 25 donation stations throughout San Antonio, New Braunfels, Seguin and Laredo.

Each donation to Goodwill undergoes a process of vetting, sorting, pricing and distribution unlike any other large-scale retailer. At Goodwill’s Distribution Center, workers on cherry pickers and forklifts sort through and categorize donations for distribution to one of the 18 stores in Goodwill’s 24-county service area. Employees at each location constantly process rotating piles of incoming donations and prepare them for sale within the stores.

Goodwill also plays an important role in recycling computer equipment, responsibly recycling and refurbishing more than a million pounds of technology hardware each year.  Goodwill accepts donations of used computers and related peripheral equipment of any brand, in any condition, at all of its retail stores and donation centers.

Through Reconnect, a partnership with Dell, Goodwill accepts used hard drives, laptops, monitors, printers, keyboards – basically anything that can be plugged into a computer. Equipment that doesn’t meet functionality standards is disassembled and metal, glass and plastic components are responsibly recycled.

Donations of computers and other household items are always needed and very much appreciated at Goodwill. New and gently used furniture, dishes, small household appliances, decorative items, books, toys, brand-name clothing and more are especially needed right now. All donors receive a tax receipt for their contributions.

For more information on Goodwill’s programs or services, or to find your nearest donation center please call 210-924-8581 or visit www.goodwillsa.org.

About Goodwill Industries of San Antonio
Serving San Antonio since 1945, Goodwill helps change lives through the power of work. When you shop or donate at Goodwill, you’re funding educational programs and services that assist people in finding better jobs and building careers. Together with the support of our generous community, partners and employers, Goodwill provides employment, training, educational opportunities and related services to more than 50,000 individuals each year. In addition to operating 18 retail stores, more than 25 donation stations and 10 Good Careers Centers in San Antonio, New Braunfels, Seguin, Laredo and surrounding areas, Goodwill operates 3 Good Careers Academies and handles 17 contracts for services ranging from document management to grounds maintenance.