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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."

13 of 110 comments (clear)

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

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

  3. 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.

  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. Where, where? by HermanAB · · Score: 4, Funny

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

    --
    Oh well, what the hell...
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.

  10. 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!

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  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.