Most of us have a drawer, cabinet, or even an entire closet filled with forgotten technology. Old phones from past upgrades, laptops that no longer hold a charge, outdated tablets, tangled chargers, keyboards, and more often end up collecting dust.
In fact, the average person now owns 21 connected electronic devices, which means unused tech can pile up quickly. What many people may not realize is that those old electronics can still do a lot of good.
At Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin, we see old electronics as more than clutter. They are an opportunity to support local programs, reduce waste, and give valuable materials a second life.
Why Donating Electronics to Goodwill Makes a Difference
Donating your electronics is simple, free, and impactful.
- It’s Completely Free: There are no fees and no extra steps. Whether your device still works or is long past its prime, Goodwill accepts unwanted electronics free of charge.
- It’s Easy: Simply drop off electronics at any Goodwill SCWI donation center. There is no appointment necessary, and donations are accepted every day during normal donation hours.
- It’s Good for the Planet: Goodwill partners with certified R2 and E-Stewards recyclers, ensuring items are handled responsibly with strong environmental and data-security standards.
- It Supports the Circular Economy: Materials from donated electronics are responsibly recycled and repurposed into new products, helping reduce waste and extend the life of valuable resources.
- It Strengthens Your Community: Revenue generated from electronics recycling directly supports Goodwill’s local mission programs, helping individuals and families live, work, and thrive.
What Electronics Can You Donate?
Through the Dell Reconnect program, Goodwill makes it easy for consumers and small businesses to recycle used technology for free.
We accept the following items of any brand and in any condition (working or non-working):
- flat screen tvs
- monitors
- desktops
- laptops
- tablets
- printers
- scanners
- hard drives (internal or external)
- keyboards
- mice
- speakers
- cords and cables
- webcams
- cell phones
All you need to do is drop off your items at any Goodwill donation location. We will take care of the rest.
Celebrate Earth Day With Us
In celebration of Earth Day, join Goodwill at Hilldale Shopping Center for a free electronics recycling donation drive. This quick and convenient drive-up drop-off event makes it easy to responsibly recycle your old electronics while supporting sustainability in our community.
Bring electronics in any condition, working or non-working, including large-screen TVs, computers, laptops, phones, cameras, and more. All items will be safely and responsibly recycled through trusted partners.
- Saturday, April 18
8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (rain or shine)
Hilldale Shopping Center
711 Hilldale Way, Madison, WI
Parking lot behind L.L. Bean
Whether you’re spring cleaning or finally clearing out old tech, this is a simple way to celebrate Earth Day and make a positive impact.
Can’t make it to an event? No problem. You can donate electronics free of charge every day at every Goodwill donation centers across South Central Wisconsin.
Sustainability Is Part of Who We Are
At Goodwill, sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s a commitment. Every donation we receive is treated with care and purpose.
- Items in good condition are sold in our stores or outlet, giving them a second life.
- Items that can’t be sold are repurposed or responsibly recycled.
And electronics are just the beginning. Goodwill also works with partners to reuse or recycle textiles, plastics, plastic bags, cardboard, shoes, purses, books, media, and even vehicles—with more categories on the way.
Impact by the Numbers
The impact of community donations continues to grow. In 2025, Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin recycled more than 257,000 pounds of electronics, representing a 32% increase from 2024.
That means thousands of devices were kept out of landfills and transformed into support for local mission programs. Every donated phone, laptop, or charger adds up to something bigger.
Turn Old Tech Into Community Impact
When you donate electronics to Goodwill, you are doing more than clearing out space at home. You are helping support mission programs that create real opportunities for people in our communities.
Funds generated through electronics recycling help support local services like:
- job training
- supported employment
- stable housing
- free tax preparation
- community support programs
What may feel like “junk” at home can help power programs that make a lasting difference across South Central Wisconsin. Thank you for supporting the Goodwill mission!