Dell Reports Record Single-Year Product Recycling Volume

Dell, based in Round Rock, Texas, has reported its largest single-year product recycling volume. Additionally, the company has become the first major computer manufacturer to offer Silver 80 PLUS-certified power supplies as part of its effort to become the “greenest technology company on the planet.”

“Our customers and stakeholders are inspiring us to lead a new era of environmental responsibility,” Tod Arbogast, director of sustainable business for Dell, says. “We are at a historic point in time when the combined efforts of companies, customers, employees and suppliers will make the critical changes to protect our shared Earth.”

Dell has reported the recovery of 102 million pounds of IT equipment from customers during 2007, a 20 percent increase relative to 2006. In addition to its free home pickup program, Dell continues to expand its Reconnect alliance with Goodwill.  Consumers can now take advantage of free recycling at 370 attended drop-off Reconnect locations in 24 U.S. markets.

Dell also has announced that it is partnering with The Climate Group’s “Together” initiative, a consumer-engagement campaign that brings together companies, cities and nonprofit organizations to help Americans reduce their impact on the planet. In addition to expanding its Energy Smart and “Plant a Tree for Me” programs in the coming months, Dell will work with The Climate Group to provide consumers additional tools and resources to manage and reduce energy consumption.

The company also claims that it is the first major computer manufacturer to offer desktop customers Silver 80 PLUS-certified power supplies. The 80 PLUS specification aligns to the power-supply requirements in the EPA’s Energy Star 4.0 standard for computers and requires the use of 80 percent or more efficient power supplies. 80 PLUS Silver supplies are up to 8 percent more efficient than what’s required to meet Energy Star 4.0 compliance and meet the July 2009 qualifications of the Climate Savers Computing Initiative more than a year ahead of schedule.

Dell is also striving to make its operations carbon neutral by the end of 2008 and reports that it is ahead of plan in meeting that goal. Operational efficiency improvements in company facilities are saving the company approximately $2 million in operating costs per year, according to Dell.

In April, Dell announced that its corporate headquarters campus is powered with 100 percent ‘green’ energy.  Increasing use of green power is locking in Dell’s energy prices as cost for traditional energy is expected to continue to rise.

Dell’s carbon intensity (CO2 emissions/revenue) is among the lowest of the Fortune 50 and less than half that of its closest competitor, according to the company.

More information on Dell’s commitment to become the “greenest” technology company on the planet is available at www.dell.com/earth.