Goodwill’s Green Works
Goodwill's Green Works, a subsidiary of Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit, stands as a testament to the power of recycling efforts coupled with a commitment to providing opportunities for individuals facing employment challenges. With over 80 years of experience under their belt, Goodwill's Green Works has evolved into a leader in recycling innovation, environmental impact, and workforce development.
Rooted in a mission to identify and support individuals with employment barriers, Goodwill's Green Works offers training and meaningful employment, with over 50% of its workforce composed of citizens reentering the workforce. Their long-standing partnership with DTE has enabled them to play a pivotal role in recycling efforts through the sustainable management of hazardous waste including underground lead copper cables, transformers, wiring, and appliances. By partnering with DTE and their appliance rebate program they are able to recycle 38,500 appliances monthly, making them the largest appliance recycler in the state, potentially even the nation.
“For Goodwill's Green Works, it's all about the people,” says Caleb Rutledge CEO/President of Goodwill’s Green Works. While the environmental impact of their recycling efforts is noteworthy, their primary focus remains on the individuals they employ. Providing opportunities for those reentering society or facing educational barriers, the organization creates a supportive and collaborative work culture. By fostering a sense of unity among their team, Goodwill's Green Works ensures that their important work gets done effectively.
Goodwill's Green Works' trajectory is one of expansion and diversification. They are expanding their capacity for appliance recycling, allowing them to increase their intake volume by double. Additionally, they're partnering with the DART Corporation to address the challenge of recycling EPS foam, a material often overlooked in traditional recycling programs. EPS foam poses a significant challenge for landfills, it’s bulky, lightweight, and difficult to recycle. They will be offering industrial and residential drop-off opportunities in several Detroit communities through a grant awarded by the Foam Recycling Corporation. Not only will Goodwill's Green Works process the material, but they have secured an end-of-life destination for the material, closing the loop. Goodwill is also expanding into appliance repair leveraging the 3 R’s of sustainability, repair, resale, and reuse. Their repair initiative will utilize their skilled trades academy to deliver a repair curriculum for employees as they partner with Goodwill donation centers and thrift stores to resell refurbished appliances and divert appliances from landfills all while offering affordable appliance options for low-income communities.
Goodwill's Green Works' aspirations extend beyond their immediate operations. They're eager to collaborate with the state, particularly the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), to enhance recycling infrastructure and create more opportunities for residents to recycle. By working together, they hope to divert more materials from landfills, offer more green jobs, and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable Michigan.
