Sustainability
Reducing Waste. Creating Opportunity.
Sustainability Starts with Good
Sustainability at Goodwill of Silicon Valley is woven into everything we do. Every donated item helps keep usable goods out of landfills while funding job training, education, and support services for people in our community.
By extending the life of donated goods through reuse, resale, and responsible recycling, we support a cleaner planet and create pathways to opportunity for thousands of individuals each year.
Beyond recycling, we work alongside our community – through workshops, school and business partnerships, and education on responsible electronics disposal – to help build a more informed, sustainable Silicon Valley.
Our Environmental Impact by the Numbers
Since 2015, Goodwill of Silicon Valley has diverted hundreds of millions of pounds of material from local landfills, helping conserve resources, reduce waste, and promote a circular economy.
Environmental impact highlights:
- 340,263,945 pounds diverted from landfills since 2015
- 80% diversion rate in 2024
- Millions of pounds reused, resold, or responsibly recycled every year
How Goodwill’s Circular Economy Works
Goodwill of Silicon Valley plays a unique role in the circular economy, where donated goods are given a second life while supporting social good.
Here’s how it works:
Donate
Community members donate gently used clothing, household items, and more.
Reuse & Resell
Donations are sold in our retail stores, keeping items in use longer and reducing the demand for new production.
Recycle Responsibly
Items that can’t be sold are responsibly recycled through trusted partners to minimize landfill waste.
Reinvest Locally
Revenue from donations funds no-cost job training, education, and wraparound services for individuals facing barriers to employment.
This closed-loop system benefits both the planet and our community.
Through our sustainability efforts, we support:
- Job training and career development
- Reentry support for justice-involved individuals
- Services for veterans and people with disabilities
- Youth and workforce development programs
Responsible Recycling & Waste Diversion
We are committed to transparency and responsible waste management.
When donated items are not suitable for resale, we work with vetted recycling partners to ensure materials are handled ethically and diverted from landfills whenever possible. Our focus is on maximizing reuse first, followed by responsible recycling, to reduce environmental impact across the lifecycle of donated goods.
Sustainable Shopping Starts with Goodwill
Shopping secondhand is one of the simplest ways to reduce waste and support sustainability. By choosing Goodwill, you help:
- Reduce landfill waste
- Limit fast fashion and overproduction
- Conserve natural resources
- Support local jobs and community programs
Looking Ahead: Our Commitment to Sustainability
Goodwill of Silicon Valley remains committed to strengthening our environmental impact through:
- Clean technology training programs that prepare clients for careers in the green economy
- Continued landfill diversion
- Improved recycling practices
- Strategic partnerships
- Ongoing investment in sustainability infrastructure
As our community grows, so does our responsibility to protect the environment and create inclusive opportunities for all.
How You Can Make a Difference
Sustainability starts with everyday actions — and together, we can make a lasting impact.
Get involved:
- Donate gently used items
- Shop secondhand at Goodwill
- Partner with us on sustainability initiatives
- Support workforce development in Silicon Valley
Your support helps reduce waste, protect the planet, and transform lives.