Texas Makes Green Computing Mandatory

athloi writes to mention that Texas legislators have passed a bill that would require computer companies to provide free recycling services to their customers for hardware purchased. "The bill (HB 2714) requires computer manufacturers to provide a "reasonably convenient" recycling plan that requires no additional payments from consumers. Dell and HP provided some model legislation that was used as the basis for the bill, which will only affect computers purchased for personal or home business use, but it could still encourage manufacturers to adopt efficient recycling programs that might then be applied to all machines sold."

Comments

Smaller System Builders?

[Pantero Blanco]

Are smaller system builders considered "manufacturers"? That would explain why the bill got so much support from HP and Dell; it raises the cost of doing business.

Dell charges $0, and they're still cheap

[schwaang]

Dell's recycling option is offered for free. They give you mailing labels to send your old computer and monitor via DHL or something.

I don't know how much it actually costs Dell (obviously more than they charge), but so far Dell still has very low prices.

I can see why Dell would help force this on the competition... But in the end it's probably net positive for everybody.

Re:Frist Psot

[Short Circuit]

No, this is just more unconstitutional eco-fascism. That's funny. I see it as the Texas legislature forcing manufacturers to explore a new revenue stream.

You see, PC recycling is a profitable business, once you get away from CRTs. I've found at least three places in West Michigan that will pay me cash for old computer hardware.