Recycling

In May 2009, Dell became the first major computer manufacturer to ban the export of nonworking electronics to developing countries as part of its global policy on responsible electronics disposal.

Dell’s electronics disposition policy now exceeds the requirements of the Basel Convention, which bans the export of certain electronic waste based on its material or chemical composition, by expanding its definition of electronic waste to include all nonworking parts or devices, irrespective of material composition.

Dell aims to help prevent the unauthorized dumping of electronic waste in developing countries by requiring that equipment be tested and certified as “working” prior to export. By 2014, we want to take back one billion pounds of material. Our innovative free, easy, responsible and convenient approach is about setting the highest standards in product recovery and responsible disposition.

Dell recognizes that as we pursue our commitment to being the greenest technology company, we need to engage in policy advocacy and help drive active participation in industry solutions.

Policy Advocacy

Dell has been an advocate for producer-responsibility legislation, but only where the government is ready for such an approach and is prepared to support local communities, businesses and consumers work to develop a culture and practice of responsible recycling. Many emerging economies, however, do not yet have the necessary elements in place to ensure proper handling of waste materials and end-of-life electronics. These elements include:

• Regulatory structure: The government must adopt a robust set of laws and rules and thorough education, monitoring and enforcement.
• Physical infrastructure: The country must develop appropriate collection, transportation, dismantling and disposition equipment and systems — and the attendant training of workers.
• Regulation of electronics recovery: With the necessary physical infrastructure and regulatory policies in place to address waste in general, specific measures are needed to appropriately address recycling of end-of-life electronics, including reforming any existing informal recycling markets.

Dell supports the principle that producers of electronics should take back their own products to be recycled at no charge for consumers. We support public policies that enhance recycling efforts around the world. It’s important to us to support programs that encourage consumers to reuse and properly dispose of used IT products.

Dell supports current efforts by certain members of the U.S. Congress to place reasonable restrictions on the export of nonfunctional electronic products to developing countries that lack sufficient recycling and disposal infrastructure.