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Dell Launches Free PC Recycling

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the there-should-be-free-as-in-beer-recycling dept.

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."

25 of 110 comments (clear)

  1. Recycle... by MeatFlap3 · · Score: 2, Insightful
    It may be a better offer if you could include computers from any source, not just dell, right?

    -r

    1. Re:Recycle... by ergo98 · · Score: 5, Funny
      It may be a better offer if you could include computers from any source, not just dell, right?

      Good point. And while they're at it, I have an old futon that the cat pissed on that I've been looking to dump, so maybe they can take that too.
    2. Re:Recycle... by Timesprout · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Why should Dell pay to recycle their competitors products?

      --
      Do not try to read the dupe, thats impossible. Instead, only try to realize the truth
      What truth?
      There is no dupe
    3. Re:Recycle... by irc.goatse.cx+troll · · Score: 4, Insightful

      Because its downright silly to have 3 big trucks drive by to pick up 2 computers and a printer in the name of "envrionmental cleanliness"?
      If anything the big names should all pitch in and form a collaborative group.

      --
      Pain lasts, kid. Its how you know you're alive. Sometimes I think this growing up thing is just pain management-TheMaxx
    4. Re:Recycle... by ben+there... · · Score: 4, Informative
      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.
    5. Re:Recycle... by saboola · · Score: 3, Funny

      What shall we call this collaborative group that deals with old crappy computers? Ah, I got it, e-machines.

    6. Re:Recycle... by k3vlar · · Score: 2, Insightful

      If Dell recycles an old product from a competitor, then, theoretically, it's a space for them to fill with their own product.
      It's like those stupid car dealerships offering to make the last 3 payments on a competitor's lease, so they can get you into one of their cars faster.

      --
      Unlike porn, which yada yada rimshot hey-ooh!
  2. This is fantastic news. by Future+Man+3000 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Metal, after oil, is our least renewable resource. Given that computers use more metal than any other consumer product it makes economic sense (or is that cents!) to reclaim it.

    Another useful component is the rare-earth magnets that are in hard drives. Those are pricey and certainly outlast the drives they come in.

    --

    I never vote for anyone. I always vote against.
    -- W.C. Fields

    1. Re:This is fantastic news. by NexFlamma · · Score: 5, Insightful

      "Given that computers use more metal than any other consumer product"

      You literally pulled this out of your ass, didn't you?

      For a while now, we've had these things called "automobiles". They are generally made up of metals of various sorts. They also weigh 1-2 tons a piece. Unless you're referring to all those consumer grade ENIACs you see everywhere, I'm not sure how you think computers consume the most metal of any consumer product.

  3. For non-Dells by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative

    For those who don't own a Dell, there is Free Geek

  4. Does it need to be said? by voice_of_all_reason · · Score: 4, Informative

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

    1. Re:Does it need to be said? by stefanlasiewski · · Score: 2, Funny

      The only truly secure computer is one which is switched off and disconnected from the network. ... and smashed with a sledgehammer, to ensure that the computer is never turned on again. ... and set on fire, to the temperature of 600F, which should be sufficient to destroy the magnetic bits in the hard drive. ... and then nuke it from orbit, it's the only way to be sure.

      --
      "Can of worms? The can is open... the worms are everywhere."
  5. Recyling PC's by PoconoPCDoctor · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Great idea. On my way to work in Manhattan, I frequently see PC monitors, CPU's, laser printers, etc, on the curb awaiting pickup. AFAIK, NYC does not have a recyling program for these items. They just get added to a landfill in other states. Any program that recycles all the toxic materials found in PC's and related equipment will potentially save the water supply in areas from leachate contamination, as water percolates through landfills. Way to go, Dell! HP better step up the plate!

    --
    "Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair" - George Washington
    1. Re:Recyling PC's by setirw · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Sure it has a recycling program: I take them!

      I once found a dual PIII Xeon server on the street, with 4gb RAM and 8 10,000 RPM 12gb SCSI drives (wiped, of course). Three 22" ViewSonic flat screen CRTs. A working professional-quality scanner. It is positively ludicrous what New Yorkers throw out.

      --
      This message printed on 100% post-consumer recycled electrons.
    2. Re:Recyling PC's by truthsearch · · Score: 4, Informative

      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

      --
      Developers: We can use your help.
    3. Re:Recyling PC's by evilviper · · Score: 2, Funny
      It is positively ludicrous what New Yorkers throw out.

      "Yes officer, that computer was out on the street, just behind that shattered glass window..."
      --
      Slashdot gets worse every day... Pipedot: News for nerds, without the corporate slant
  6. I'd take them too... by NotQuiteReal · · Score: 3, Funny
    You can put almost anything on eBay and turn a profit - if you charge enough in S&H...

    "Computer for sale: PII 500MHz - doesn't boot. Buy it Now $25!"

    Tell me you can't sell that.

    --
    This issue is a bit more complicated than you think.
  7. Where, where? by HermanAB · · Score: 4, Funny

    Oooooh, gotta have that. No link to your auction!?

    --
    Oh well, what the hell...
  8. Size matters by HermanAB · · Score: 2

    Wow, man, your mainframe has more metal than your SUV?

    --
    Oh well, what the hell...
  9. Re:A step in the right direction... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    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.

  10. Is it just lip-service? by STDOUBT · · Score: 5, Informative
    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

    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.

  11. if near silicon valley, please consider.. by reflector · · Score: 3, Informative

    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!

    1. Re:if near silicon valley, please consider.. by reflector · · Score: 2, Informative

      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.

  12. Also offering free laptop incineration... by ortcutt · · Score: 2, Funny

    in partnership with Sony. That's really the solution for E-waste, computers which self-destruct.

  13. Greens on target, yet again... by scdeimos · · Score: 3, Informative
    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.