Goodwill is one of the region’s largest recyclers. You could say we were one of the original recyclers, repairing and selling donated items since the early 20th century.
Today, we work with local agencies to recycle and re-purpose everything from electronics to textiles, keeping tens of millions of pounds out of landfills each year.
Dell Reconnect, a partnership between Goodwill and Dell, offers residents the opportunity to donate old computers free of charge. All computers and parts are responsibly recycled within the United States. It’s always best practice to wipe all personal data off your devices before donating. Goodwill accepts electronic waste from individual households. Please note that we are currently unable to accept items from large electronic waste drives.
Thinking of throwing away those old T-shirts or worn towels? Donate them to us instead! Our Thrifty Rags business repurposes donated textiles such as T-shirts and towels that have stains, holes or are otherwise in less than sellable quality into a marketable commodity as industrial cleaning rags. We make cleaning wipes from washed T-shirts and towels in any condition. They are absorbent, durable, washable, and reusable, and made from recycled textiles. Thrifty Rags are ideal for auto mechanics/detailing; manufacturing; construction/contractors; and painting/refinishing, as well as for commercial/residential uses. Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont sold nearly 14,645 lbs pounds of rags to various businesses in 2021-2022.
The donations of old T-shirts and towels are received, processed, and cut into 5 and 20 lb. bags for purchase at a very competitive rate by local businesses and at our six Goodwill stores. The Thrifty Rags business provides jobs and job training to people in the community. Donations of T-shirts and towels give us an opportunity to employ up to four employees who cut rags five days per week.
The job training participants in this program gain experience and learn skills in textile recycling processes, workplace safety, inventory management, customer service, bookkeeping, sales, and distribution. They gain operational skills and “real work” experience while earning a competitive wage to create greater economic stability in their lives.
Some of the clothing, towels, and linens that are donated to us are in useable condition but are not of sellable quality. These items are condensed into large bales of textiles and shipped out all over the world. People in many different countries around the globe are in need of these items, and many are unable to afford new clothing. Bailed textiles provide an alternative for these families. They are sent overseas and provided to people in need in third-world countries, including several nations in Africa, Pakistan, the Dominican Republic, and more. In fact, Goodwill Industries of the Berkshires and Southern Vermont provided 450,401 pounds of bale to other countries in 2022. In addition, a chain of distribution is created, providing many people with jobs along the way.
The logistics team at our warehouse is always exploring new avenues for recycling because every pound we recycle is one less pound put into a landfill! In addition to our primary recycling efforts, we partner with various outside agencies to recycle scrap metal, kitchen metal, shoes, purses, cell phones, and books. Many shoes, purses, and kitchen wares are sent to third-world countries to be used by people in need. Of course, if donated items are of sellable quality, they are distributed to our stores rather than recycled.
Some of the Unique Ways Your Donations Are Being Repurposed…
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