Dell To Launch Free E-Waste Recycling Service

Date: July 10, 2006

Source: Dell

Information Technology (IT) giant Dell Inc. recently announced plans to provide free recycling of any Dell-branded product for consumers around the world as part of its new global recycling policy.

"We have a responsibility to our customers to recycle the products we make and sell," said Michael Dell, chairman of Dell, which is headquartered in Round Rock, Texas. "Our direct relationships with consumers allow us to offer this easy and free service and we encourage others in our industry to do so as well."

The company currently offers consumers no-charge recycling of any brand of used computer or printer with the purchase of a new Dell computer or printer. This service includes home pick-up of the used computer at no charge.

Under its new policy, Dell will provide consumers no-charge recycling of any Dell-branded product, regardless of whether a replacement product is purchased. The company plans to launch the service in the U.S. by September, and globally by November. It is currently available in Europe. According to company representatives, Dell has been focused on developing market-driven consumer recycling services for several years.

"Dell is setting the standard for the industry with this new policy," said Kate Krebs, executive director of the National Recycling Coalition. "Recycling of used consumer electronics remains a challenge and Dell is taking concrete steps to remove the barriers of cost and inconvenience for consumers."

Each year millions of IT equipment is sold worldwide, which, in time, produces waste electronics and electrical equipment (e-waste). In 1998, for example, six million tons of e-waste were generated worldwide. This waste stream is expected to grow by about four per cent per year. In 2010, therefore, 12 million tons of e-waste is expected.

Currently in Canada, e-waste is usually landfilled, incinerated or recovered without any pre-treatment. Some components of e-waste contain hazardous substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium, which are harmful to both human health and the environment.

For further information on Dell's U.S. consumer recycling offer, visit: www.dell.com/recycling

For further information on Dell's new global recycling policy, visit: www.dell.com/environment.

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