Dell Launches Free PC Recycling

digihome writes to mention the implementation of a free PC recycling service for all systems sold by the company. From the article: "The no-charge home pickup program was announced in June. Dell already offers similar programs in Europe and Canada. After enduring tough criticism over the years from environmental groups, tech companies have started offering more ways for consumers to properly dispose of computer gadgets and to conserve electricity while using computer gear. Among tech companies, environmental advocacy group Greenpeace has singled out Dell and mobile-phone maker Nokia for their ecologically conscientious policies."

For non-Dells

[Anonymous Coward]

For those who don't own a Dell, there is Free Geek [freegeek.org]

Does it need to be said?

[voice_of_all_reason]

Remove hard drive first, nuke it yourself. Only way to be sure.

Re:For non-Dells

[Anonymous Coward]

In addition to Portland, Free Geek also has locations in Indiana [freegeekmichiana.org], Pennsylvania [freegeekpenn.org], Washington [freegeekolympia.org], Ohio [freegeekcolumbus.org], and Illinois [freegeekchicago.org]

Re:Recyling PC's

[truthsearch]

All City agencies, as well as businesses and institutions, are required to recycle computer equipment, unless it is donated or resold for reuse.

The NYC Department of Sanitation has coordinated with private companies and nonprofit organizations to offer electronics recycling events to New York City residents.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/html/recyclin g/electronicsrecycling.shtml [nyc.gov]

Re:A step in the right direction...

[Anonymous Coward]

Dell DOES pick up non-dell computers when you purchase a dell... just check the option for "free recycling kit" when you purchase your new dell and you will get a airborne tag to use your dell box to ship your old PC back in... :)

It is free on most home systems and $10 up to $40 option with some business systems.

I just used my $40 tag from a server to pack 2 computers, a 14" crt and a ton of old ISA cards all in the Poweredge box.

Re:Recycle...

[ben there...]

It may be a better offer if you could include computers from any source, not just dell, right?

They will, as part of a new purchase. That was their old recycling program, and it's still in effect. The new program adds recycling of Dell products at any time.

You have to have *something* to do with Dell before they'll ship your junk for free.

Is it just lip-service?

[STDOUBT]

Seriously.

*Most* "recycled" electronics in the US end up in trash heaps in China to be picked through by poor people. Gleaned for valuable metals. In these open-air dumps there are no controls on leaching metals into the soil, etc.

There are plenty of more responsible efforts throughout the country some of which are listed here:
http://freegeek.org/recycle.php [freegeek.org]

Does Dell *really* recycle or just dump the stuff someplace that pays them by the ton? And don't be mislead by Greenpeaces' approval. They score based on production toxicity not recycling cleanliness. Granted Dell's doing "something", but my point is we don't actually know where the boxes end up. TFA didn't say.

if near silicon valley, please consider..

[reflector]

if you are in the silicon valley area, please consider ELMARS.ORG, we offer free electronics recycling (drop off at our Fremont warehouse just off I-880), and also offer free pick-up at your location for medium to large quantities.

we are a non-profit california state-certified e-waste collector (one of the few that are state certified), and will give you a 501 c(3) tax-deductible receipt for all electronics that you give us, as well.
help the environment and help your pocketbook, too :)

see us at www.elmars.org for more info.

thanks!

Re:if near silicon valley, please consider..

[reflector]

hi, thanks for the interest.

working hardware or hardware that we can fix up easily (put a new hard drive in, etc) gets either donated or sold to fund our existing operations.

non-working and obsolete stuff gets seperated into components (plastics, steel (cases), circuit boards, wires, etc).

we work with local refineries that will melt down boards and metals, everything is done locally, not overseas.

Greens on target, yet again...

[scdeimos]

After enduring tough criticism over the years from environmental groups, tech companies have started offering more ways for consumers to properly dispose of computer gadgets and to conserve electricity while using computer gear.

Good grief, you'd think they'd go after TV and monitor manufacturers, too. A lot of CRT-based TV's and monitors have a "standby" mode that draws almost as much power as full-on. These things are on all the time, whereas a lot of computers are only on when in-use. I expect a lot more people have TV's than computers, too.