Dell Exchange to Expand, Offer Consumers Recycling Option

Dell, Austin, Texas, today announced it will expand Dell Exchange -- a program for U.S. consumers to donate, auction or trade in used computers -- to include a recycling option.

Dell expects to begin offering the expanded program to U.S. customers sometime in its third quarter, which begins in August.

Through this option, consumers can send their desktop and notebook computers to a designated recycling center for recycling free of charge. An Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compliant recycling partner manages the recycling process. Consumers can take advantage of the program by logging on to Dell Exchange at www.dell4me.com/dellexchange, and selecting the recycling option.

Consumers who opt to recycle their computers will receive notification once the computers have been recycled. The program is available for any computer from any manufacturer and is available to any consumer in the United States.

"Our customers are looking for an easy way to dispose of old computers in an environmentally responsible manner. This program is easy to use and does not put a large cost burden on our customers," John Hamlin, vice president and general manager of Dell's U.S. consumer business, said. "This program continues Dell's strong track record as an environmentally responsible company."

Dell continues to encourage the reuse of computer technology as an important step in the product life cycle. Consumers can donate used computers through Dell's partnership with the National Cristina Foundation. Donated systems are placed with non-profit or public agencies in a consumer's local area. The program is free and the donation may be tax deductible.

Dell designs products that meet low-energy consumption requirements and can be easily upgraded. Whenever possible, the company eliminates the use of environmentally sensitive materials in its products. In addition, Dell is instituting a supplier-monitoring system to further ensure no hazardous materials are used in any portion of Dell's products. Most Dell manufacturing facilities are certified to the environmental management system standard of ISO 14001, and on a global basis more than 80 percent of in-bound packaging is recycled.

Dell has offered U.S. business customers take-back services since 1991 and estimates it has recovered more than 2 million computers in that time. Returned computers are either refurbished or recycled in the United States.

Information about Dell and the environment can be found at www.dell.com/environment.