Environment

Q	How does Dell take responsibility for products at their end of life?

A

Dell recognizes our responsibility to recycle the products we make and sell and we have long been committed to making the product retirement process as easy as the product purchase process for our customers. That is why we offer a number of easy and affordable recycling options for both consumers and businesses. As an example, Dell is the first in our industry to provide consumers no-charge recycling of any Dell-branded product, regardless of if they are purchasing a replacement product. Dell also recognizes that educating customers that "no computer should go to waste" is key to the success of any recycling program, and we have in place a number of consumer and business education programs.

Q	How should I dispose of old batteries from my laptop computer?

A

Batteries are necessary in most computer products. Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) and Lithium Ion (Li-ion) rechargeable batteries, typically found in portable computers, can be recycled. The Ni-MH and Li-ion batteries found in Dell portables are long-life batteries, and in some cases you may never need to replace your battery. However, should you need to replace it, refer to your owner's manual for instructions on replacing your battery. Dell also uses Lithium coin cell batteries on motherboards. In addition, depending on your system and its options, your system may include circuit boards or other components that contain batteries. These batteries should also be disposed of properly. Among the many alternatives that may be available to you, here are some options you might consider for recycling your batteries: Dell will recycle your battery through the Recycle option on Dell Recycling. Most municipalities have household hazardous waste facilities or battery collection points to handle battery disposal and/or recycling. Contact your local waste disposal agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit site. To find electronics recyclers by state, go to the EIA Environment Consumer Education Initiative. To find electronics recyclers by zip code, go to Earth 911. For recycling Ni-MH and Li-ion rechargeable batteries, call 1-800-8-BATTERY or log on to RBRC. For customers outside of the US, contact your local Dell representative for specific local programs or contact your local waste disposal agency for the address of the nearest battery deposit site.

Q	My system was exposed to a potentially hazardous chemical. Can I still recycle it with Dell?

A

No. Dell's recycle program cannot accept systems that are potentially hazardous to Dell's and our recycling partner's employees. This chemical restriction also applies to biological agents and blood. If you need information on disposal or clean-up of hazardous materials and chemicals, please contact your local waste disposal or environmental agencies.

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

A	Before you ship your product, you will need to back up any necessary data and remove all data from your hard drive. You are responsible for the deletion of all data that may be contained with the computer hardware. Dell is not responsible for any data left on hard drives.

Q	Why should I recycle my computer hardware, ink, and toner cartridges?

A

Computer hardware and ink/toner cartridges should be recycled for two primary reasons: The materials in the products can be re-used in the production of new products, minimizing the amount of material that goes into landfills and need for raw materials. Some of the component materials must be disposed of or re-used in specific manners to protect our environment.

Q	Does Dell incent/encourage employees to recycle?

A

Yes. In our manufacturing and facilities organizations, Dell employees are challenged through our BPI process to identify solutions to reduce waste and increase recycling. In addition, our office-based employees recycle paper, copier toner, printer ink cartridges, and other items. In addition, we work with our on-site services contractors to promote recycling of their own materials such as scrap metals, wood and oil.

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

A	Among the many alternatives that may be available to you, here are some options you might consider for disposing of product packaging. You can find a recycler in your area and what types of items they will accept by clicking visiting Earth 911.

Q	Dell states it recycles in accordance with EPA guidelines. What does that mean?

A

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the implementation and enforcement arm for Congress' environmental legislation. The Solid Waste Disposal Act, and subsequently the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, define and describe the legal requirements, policies and guidelines for the proper management of solid waste. Dell incorporates into its contracts with its recycling suppliers language that references environmental legislation and requires suppliers comply with all applicable local, state, federal, regional, or country environmental laws, regulations or requirements of any kind related to the proper management of material.

Q	What can businesses and public institutions do with their unwanted IT assets when they are ready for upgrade or disposal?

A

Dell offers product recovery services to business and institutional customers in most major markets, including Europe and North America. Dell's Asset Recovery Services, offered to business and institutional customers, provides reverse logistics, value recovery and reporting. The program is available at www.dell.com/assetrecovery.