Dell Aims for 50 Percent Computer Recycling Rate

Dell has set the aggressive goal to increase recovery of used computer products by 50 percent over the amount collected in Dell's fiscal year 2004, which ended on Jan. 30.

"We've shown that Dell can continue to grow while being environmentally responsible," says Michael Dell, chairman and CEO. "We are determined to address the challenges of raising computer recycling rates globally, and being the first in our industry to set public recovery goals in this report is an important step in that direction."

In Dell's last fiscal year the company’s U.S. operations recovered about 35 million pounds of computer products.

"We have a significant challenge ahead of us this year," commented Pat Nathan, Dell's Sustainable Business Director. "If we estimate a five year average age of returned product, our recovery rates this year represent less than 10 percent of Dell branded products sold in 2000. Considering our rapid market share gain and relatively recent restructuring of our customer recycling offerings, we're happy with the direction of the numbers, but we must increase our recovery rates. Given the affordability of our recycling offerings, it is clear we need to increase customer awareness of the value and importance of responsibly retiring used computers."