MILWAUKEE — Wired Wisconsin today announced that a new partner has joined its coalition – Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin.

“Technological growth depends on drawing ideas and knowledge from many leaders and making the connections to link them together,” said Thad Nation, Executive Director of Wired Wisconsin. “We are excited to have Habitat for Humanity join Wired Wisconsin. Their ReStore program has been a strong leader in the state of Wisconsin around e-cycling.”

E-Cycling collects old electronic equipment from consumers, schools and businesses via registered collectors throughout Wisconsin, who in turn sell the collected electronics to recyclers. These recyclers break the recycled equipment into its component parts, many of which are then crushed and smelted.  The raw materials are then sold to manufacturers at a lower cost than they would pay for new materials, saving those companies money and improving their bottom line.

Wisconsin’s consumers, businesses and schools are taking advantage of the E-Cycling program to recycle their electronics. During the second year of the program, Wisconsin’s registered collectors took in more than 35 million pounds of electronics waste, one of the highest rates among states with electronics recycling laws. This equates to 6.1 pounds per state resident in 2011.

There are currently 40 individual Habitat for Humanity organizations in local communities throughout the state of Wisconsin. To date, these Habitat affiliates have rehabbed or built more than 1,725 homes, including nearly 120 in 2010. Habitat for Humanity affiliates also operate ReStore, which are retail outlets that sell used and new home improvement products at a significant discount. ReStore locations have become a leader in e-cycling. The stores serve as a drop-off collection site for electronics and the Habitat ReStore’s work with designated e-cyclers to recycle the equipment.

“Not only are we keeping hazardous substances like nickel and lead out of our ecosystems, we’re also generating economic growth through the recycling and redistribution process. Wired Wisconsin looks forward to working with Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin as they continue serving as a state leader in e-cycling,” said Nation.