"Based on what we know from our members across the country, Dell's computer recycling collection in Denver shattered any existing national record for tonnage collected at a one-day event," Kate Krebs, executive director of the National Recycling Coalition, says. "The National Recycling Coalition applauds Dell, all the local partners, and everyone who dropped off their old equipment, for preventing 200 tons of computers from ending up in Denver landfills."
Because Phase one of the Dell Recycling 2003 National Tour was such a huge success, Dell decided to extend the tour through July 12 and to host free recycling events in 10 additional cities. Dell raised the 15-city collection goal to 400 tons of unwanted computer and electronics equipment to be recycled or donated to local charities through Dell's donation partner the National Cristina Foundation.
City of Denver Councilwoman Kathleen MacKenzie showed support for technology recycling by volunteering her own time to help unload computer equipment from residents' cars at Saturday's event.
"Within our city government alone, computers and other electronic devices are estimated to contain around 10 tons of lead and more than a gram of mercury. Electronic waste already constitutes from 2 [percent] to 5 percent of the municipal solid waste stream in this country. Toxic substances can leach into our soil and groundwater from normal landfill operation," MacKenzie says. "I commend Dell for its leadership in recycling these devices and getting refurbished computers in the hands of those not otherwise able to afford them."
Non-profit and community partners for Saturday's recycling event included the City of Denver, Denver Recycles, Denver Department of Environmental Health, INVESCO Field, University of Denver, Colorado Association for Recycling, Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation and Horace Mann Middle School. More than 40 community volunteers staffed the event.
For consumers unable to take advantage of the recycling tour, Dell offers the ability to register online at www.dell.com/recyclingtour for convenient and affordable home pick-up of unwanted notebooks, desktops, monitors and select peripherals for only $15 per unit. Also, Dell customers buying new Dell printers can recycle their old printers at no additional cost. Additional information can be found at www.dell4me.com/recycling.