Recycling

Q: Why should I recycle my computer hardware and peripherals?

A: Computer hardware and peripherals should be recycled for two primary reasons:

• The materials in the products can be reused in the production of new products, minimizing
  the amount of material that goes into landfills and the need for raw materials.
• Some of the component materials must be disposed of or reused in a specific manner to
  protect the environment.

Q: I just purchased a new Dell computer and I’d like to recycle the packaging. What should I do?

A: Dell can help you recycle your system and you may be able to find a recycler in your area to take the materials used to package it. Go to www.earth911.org/master.asp.


Q: What do I do with the data on my hard drive?

A: Before you recycle or donate your product, you will need to back up any necessary data and remove all data from your hard drive. You are responsible for deleting all data that may be contained with the computer hardware.


Q: Does Dell encourage its employees to recycle?

A: Yes. In our manufacturing and facilities organizations, Dell employees are challenged to find solutions that reduce waste and increase recycling. In addition, our office-based employees recycle paper, copier toner, printer ink cartridges and other items.


Q: Can you tell me more about the California State Environmental Fee?

A: The State of California has passed legislation instituting that a mandatory State Environmental Fee be collected for certain electronic products shipped directly from Dell to California, beginning January 1, 2005. This law, referred to as the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003, requires manufacturers to collect a fee for these electronic devices sold into the State of California, excluding sales to resellers. Learn more about the California State Environmental Fee.

Q: Does Dell's recycling program include printers?

A: Yes. Dell has a comprehensive recycling program for printer hardware and printer ink and toner cartridges. In fact, Dell is undertaking an industry first — Dell will recycle your old printer for free when you purchase a new Dell printer.

Q: Can I use Dell to recycle printers from other manufacturers?

A: Yes! Dell accepts computer hardware from any manufacturer.

Q: How do I recycle a printer?

A: Dell offers two printer recycling options for customers:

Free printer recycling for consumers

• Each new printer ships with a prepaid recycling waybill label. If you lose the recycling waybill, you can print another one here.
• Pack the printer in a suitable shipping box.
• Attach the pre-paid recycling waybill to the box, making sure not to cover any shipping information or barcodes.
• Schedule a pickup, using one of the pickup methods below.
  • Schedule a FedEx Ground pickup by going to www.fedex.com. Click "Schedule a Pickup” and follow the instructions.
  • Call 1.800.GoFedEx (1.800.463.3339) and say “schedule a pickup.” Follow the instructions.

Fee-based recycling service for businesses and organizations

• Learn about Dell Asset Recovery & Recycling Services here.
• Select the “Recovery & Recycling Overview” option.
• Complete and submit the online form.
• A representative will contact you to discuss the service.

Q: What types of ink and toner cartridges may be recycled?

A: Currently Dell can accept only Dell-branded ink and toner for recycling.

Q: What is Dell's Use and Return program?

A: Use and Return, Dell's toner cartridge return program, is easy to use and avoids rebate hassles by providing a 23–27 percent discount on the purchase price of toner cartridges. When your cartridge is empty, return it to Dell in our postage-free packaging. We'll ensure that the empty cartridges are properly recycled and kept out of landfills.

Q: Is there a Use and Return program for ink cartridges?

A: Dell does not currently have a Use and Return program for ink cartridges. However, Dell encourages consumers to recycle their used ink cartridges through Dell's new printer supplies recycling program. Recycling is free and convenient. Simply use the postage-free packaging that arrives with your inkjet replacement cartridges to return your empty cartridges to Dell.

Q: Does the Use and Return discount affect the warranty coverage or length in any way?

A: No. The "Regular" and "Use and Return" cartridges both have the same limited warranty coverage.

Q: Can I purchase regular cartridges, then switch to buying Use and Return cartridges?

A: Yes. You can purchase either at any time.

Q: What if I don't return the Use and Return cartridge?

A: Why not? It's free and easy. And it's environmentally responsible.

Q: Can I refill a Use and Return cartridge, as long as I eventually return it to Dell?

A: No. You purchased the Use and Return cartridge with the understanding the cartridge would be used once and returned for remanufacturing and/or recycling.

Q: Why does Dell prohibit the Use and Return cartridge's reuse and request its return?

A: All Dell products are manufactured to high quality standards. Dell does not recommend reusing toner cartridges because we cannot determine the quality or performance of a reused cartridge. Dell offers a regularly priced cartridge with regular terms and conditions. With the Use and Return cartridge, Dell encourages the return of the empty cartridge to Dell for efficient recycling.

Q: What happens to my recycled toner cartridge?

A: The toner cartridges are recycled in an environmentally responsible manner.

Q: What happens to my recycled ink cartridge?

A: Typically ink cartridges are demanufactured and sorted by commodity type (such as plastic) and then either recycled to make new products or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Q: What do I get for sending my empty cartridges back to Dell?

A: You received a discount up-front (over the regularly priced cartridge) in exchange for agreeing to comply with the Use and Return conditions. There is no charge for returning empty cartridges to Dell. Doing so helps protect our environment and drives great value we can continue to pass to our customers.