1. Why should I recycle my computer hardware and peripherals?
Recycling computer hardware and peripherals is essential for two key reasons:

• Resource Conservation – Many of the materials in these products can be recovered and repurposed to manufacture new devices, reducing landfill waste and the demand for raw materials.
• Environmental Protection – Certain components contain materials that require proper disposal or specialized recycling to prevent environmental harm.

By recycling, you help create a more sustainable future while responsibly managing electronic waste.

2. Are there any costs for shipping or recycling through Dell’s Recovery and Recycling Services?
There are no costs for shipping or recycling your used electronics through Dell’s consumer and small business services, which include Dell Trade In (US only), Mail Back (US only; Return to Dell outside the US) and Dell Reconnect (US only).

3. I just purchased a new Dell computer, and I’d like to recycle the packaging. What should I do?
If you are unsure whether your packaging is recyclable, please contact your local recycling facility for further questions.

4. Do you also accept non-Dell-branded products for recycling?
Yes, Dell’s Recovery and Recycling Services accept electronic products of any brand and in any condition.

5. Does my product need to be in working order to recycle?
Dell’s recycling programs will accept products in any condition, including non-working equipment.

6. Where can I recycle ink and toner cartridges?
We recommend you responsibly dispose of your used ink and toner cartridges through your local retailers or original manufacturers. Dell does not offer a printer supplies recycling program. Specific equipment that is accepted will vary based on your location and service.

7. Are products shipped to other countries for recycling?
No. As outlined in the Dell Electronics Disposition Policy, e-waste is not exported to developing countries.

8. My question isn't listed — whom can I contact?
For any additional information not provided above, please send us an email.

1. What do I do about the data on my hard drive?
For consumers and small businesses, you are responsible for all confidential data that may be stored on the devices you wish to recycle. Before you recycle a product, please be sure to:

• Remove any detachable media, such as diskettes, CDs or PC cards
• Back up or transfer any data prior to deletion.
• Delete all data from the hard drive and any other storage devices.

For our client and enterprise customers, we offer data sanitization services to help protect your company’s sensitive information and brand reputation. Please visit our Recovery and Recycling Services for Business to learn more.

2. Do I get any kind of receipt confirming my hard drive was destroyed?
No confirmation of hard drive destruction is provided for Dell’s Consumer and Small Business Recovery and Recycling Services, which include Dell Trade In (US only), Mail Back (US only; Return to Dell outside the US) and Dell Reconnect (US only). However, for business customers, Dell’s Asset Recovery Services does provide this option as well as additional reporting. For more information about Asset Recovery Services and our data sanitization practices, click here.

For more information about how we safeguard your data and important information, visit media sanitization of data storage devices.

1. What is Return to Dell?
Return to Dell is free a service that allows consumers and small businesses to responsibly recycle their used computer equipment, any brand in any condition by scheduling a pick-up with a local carrier.

2. Does the Return to Dell program provide packaging materials?
To reduce waste, Dell does not include packaging materials. You may package your equipment using any suitable shipping box you have.

3. Is it OK to put more than one item in a box?
Yes, you may place multiple items in a box as long as the weight of the box doesn’t exceed 20kg. PCs and monitors should be boxed separately. Wrap fragile materials to avoid damage.

1. What is Asset Recovery Services?

Asset Recovery Services is a premium service that helps customers securely and responsibly retire legacy IT equipment, regardless of brand. Dell handles every detail from pick up to final reporting and sanitizes data in strict alignment with the NIST SP 800-88 r1 standard. We maximize reuse so customers can reinvest value from aging equipment, and if there’s no value, we recycle all devices in compliance with regulatory guidelines.

For additional frequently asked questions regarding Asset Recovery Services, please click here.