Expanding Electronics Recycling Access Across 22 Counties

Reworld, a waste services provider based in Morristown, New Jersey, and Goodwill Keystone, located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, have been honored with the William M. Heenan, Jr. Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Development Award. The award recognizes the successful partnership that has expanded free electronics recycling across 22 counties in Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center (RMC) presented the award. It recognized the environmental impact and community outreach of the program.

Pennsylvania Senator Amanda Cappelletti, Acting Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Jessica Shirley, and Montgomery County Commissioner Jamila Winder joined representatives from Reworld and Goodwill Keystone to celebrate. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis also commended the partnership for recycling 1.4 million pounds of electronics.

Key Achievements and Impact on Pennsylvania

Launched in May 2024, the partnership has significantly increased access to responsible electronics recycling. By utilizing Goodwill Keystone’s network of 42 stores and donation centers, each location serves as a drop-off point for a variety of electronics. Items include televisions, computers, mobile devices, gaming systems, phones, toasters, and vacuums. This program has provided free recycling services to millions of residents in the region.

Reworld ensures that collected electronics are refurbished or recycled according to the Pennsylvania Covered Device Recycling Act and international e-Stewards standards. These practices help minimize the environmental impact of electronic waste. Electronic waste remains one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide.

Gordon Burgoyne, business manager of electronics recycling at Reworld, highlighted the importance of the program. It addresses the critical need for accessible e-waste recycling. The initiative helps prevent illegal disposal while promoting responsible recycling practices.

The partnership now serves approximately 57% of Pennsylvania’s population, making a notable contribution to the state’s sustainability efforts. As the program expands, it serves as a model for other regions seeking to improve e-waste recycling infrastructure.