Riverview – A good-news program helps our environment and brings jobs to the county.

The Wayne County Department of Environment and Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit are partnering to recycle computer equipment while providing jobs for those in need.

Goodwill Industries and Dell Computer’s RECONNECT Michigan, a comprehensive computer recovery and recycling effort, hopes to divert some 3.3 million pounds of used computer equipment from landfills, while creating jobs for individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers.

The free service for county residents will collect outdated computer equipment, including CPU’s, monitors, fax/scanners, cell phones, keyboards, copiers, printers and all related peripherals. Wherever possible, the collected equipment will be refurbished and reused, while the rest of the equipment will be properly recycled.

“Our partnership with Goodwill helps the environment while providing needed jobs,” County Executive Robert A. Ficano said. “This is a further example of the innovative recycling and environmental efforts we’re making happen right now in Wayne County.”

Added Lindsay Chalmers, Director of New Business for Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit: “We’re confident our partnership with Wayne County will help us achieve our recycling goals, while creating additional jobs for Michigan residents and a brighter environmental future for everyone.”

The first recycling event will be April 21, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Riverview Land Preserve, 20455 Grange Road, Riverview

A second event is planned for May 12, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon, at the Canton Township DPW, 4847 Sheldon Road, Canton