Reworld, Goodwill Keystone honored with e-scrap recycling award

Morristown, New Jersey-based waste services provider Reworld and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based Goodwill Keystone have been awarded the William M. Heenan, Jr. Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Development Award. The award recognizes the partnership, which has expanded access to free electronics recycling across 22 counties in Central and Southeastern Pennsylvania. The award was presented by the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center (RMC).

Pennsylvania Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley and Montgomery County Commissioner Jamila Winder joined representatives from the two companies, Franklin County Free Press reports.  

The partnership has recycled 1.4 million pounds of electronics, according to Lt. Gov. Austin Davis.

“This program provides an avenue for responsibly disposing electronic waste for millions of Pennsylvanians—reusing products that still have some life in them and keeping the rest out of landfills,” Shirley says. “The 1.4 million pounds collected is an amazing accomplishment for Goodwill and Reworld and is a fantastic outcome for Pennsylvania.”

As previously reported by Recycling Today, the program was launched in May 2024 to expand electronics recycling options in the region. By leveraging Goodwill Keystone’s network of 42 stores and donation centers, the program has established each as a drop-off point for used electronics, including televisions, computers, mobile devices, gaming systems, telephones, toasters and vacuums.

Reworld says electronics collected through the program are refurbished or recycled in compliance with the Pennsylvania Covered Device Recycling Act and international e-Stewards standards.

The partnership represents approximately 57 percent of Pennsylvania’s population, Franklin County Free Press says.

“Together, we’re addressing a critical need for accessible e-waste recycling, diverting these materials as required by the Covered Device Recycling Act from disposal or from being illegally dumped,” says Gordon Burgoyne, business manager of electronics recycling at Reworld. “We are helping Pennsylvanians responsibly manage their end-of-life electronics, which is the fastest growing waste stream in the world.”