Frequently Asked Questions

General

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 & Recycling services?

There are no costs for shipping or recycling your used electronics through Dell’s consumer and small business services – Dell Trade In, Mail Back and Dell Reconnect.

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

If you are unsure on whether your packaging is curbside recyclable, please contact your local recycling facility for further questions.

4. Do you also accept non-Dell-branded products for recycling?

Yes. Dell’s recycling programs accepts electronic products of any brand 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. How do I recycle laptop batteries?

For recycling batteries, go to www.call2recycle.org and type in your zip code. This website will tell you the nearest location for dropping off your batteries.

7. 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 takeback/recycling program.
Specific equipment that is accepted will vary based on your location and service. Find out which recycling and recovery services are available in your area.

8. What are the electronics waste recycling laws in the U.S.?

Refer to this document on state level legislation in the U.S. regarding e-waste.

9. Can you tell me more about the California State Environmental Fee?

The State of California passed legislation instituting that a mandatory State Environmental Fee be collected for certain electronic products shipped directly from Dell to California. This law, referred to as the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003, requires manufacturers to collect a fee for these electronic products sold within or into the State of California.

Please visit the CallRecycle website for additional information. 

10. 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.

11. My question isn't listed — whom can I contact?

Send us an email.

Data Security

1. What do I do about the data on my hard drive?

For consumers and small business, you are responsible for all confidential data that may be stored on the products. Before you recycle a product, you are responsible for:

• Deleting the data on the hard disk drives and any other storage devices in the products
• Backing up or transferring any data prior to deletion
• Removing any removable media, such as diskettes, CDs or PC cards

Click here for help on how to erase data from your device.

Dell Migrate makes it easy to move data, files, and personal settings from your old PC to a new one before you recycle. Explore Dell Migrate

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 & Recycling Services for Business to learn more.

2. Do I get any kind of receipt confirming my hard drive was destroyed?

Not through our Mail Back or partner programs. However, for business customers, Dell’s Asset Recovery Services does provide this option and documents. For more information about Asset Recovery Services and data sanitization practices, click here.

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

Mail Back program

1. What is Dell’s Mail Back program?

The Mail Back program is a free, global service that allows consumers and small business to mail in their used computer equipment of any brand to be responsibly recycled.

2. How does the Mail Back program work?

Please follow these simple steps:

1) Sanitize your data from hard drive. Click here for help on how to erase data from your device.
2) Complete online form and print pre-paid shipping label. The shipping label form is specific to the asset type you are recycling. Choose the label form that corresponds with what you want to recycle below:

• PCs and Laptops shipping label form
• Computer Accessories shipping label form

3) Package your equipment. Package your equipment using any suitable shipping box you have and affix shipping label.
4) Drop off at your local participating mailing center or schedule a pickup. Options vary based on country or region. Please visit dell.com/recycle to learn more.

3. Does the Mail Back program provide packaging materials?

To reduce waste, Dell does not include packing materials. However, in adherence to e-waste legislation requirements in these states, residents of Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey or New York may request a box when creating a shipping label.

4. Is it OK to put more than one item in a box?

Yes. You can put multiple items in a box as long as the weight of the box doesn’t exceed 150 pounds, and the maximum dimension for U.S. domestic packages is 108" in length or 165" in length plus girth. Girth is defined as two times the width plus two times the height (2xW + 2xH).

5. What is the maximum shippable box size and weight?

The weight may not exceed 150 pounds, and the maximum dimension for U.S. domestic packages is 108" in length or 165" in length plus girth. Girth is defined as two times the width plus two times the height (2xW+ 2xH).

6. Does Dell provide cash back for systems in good shape?

Dell Trade In offers credit to customers for trading in their old eligible devices (accepting both Dell and non-Dell devices). That credit can then be used to purchase products or services at Dell.com. If the device does not qualify for trade in credit, we’ll recycle it for you, for free.

Dell Reconnect (US Only)

1. What is the Dell Reconnect program?

Dell Reconnect is a recycling partnership with Goodwill^® Industries offering consumers and small business a free and convenient way to responsibly recycle their used electronics.

2. What items do you accept? What condition?

Dell Reconnect accepts these items, of any brand, in any condition:
- Monitors
- Desktops
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Printers
- Scanners
- Hard drives (internal or external)
- Keyboards
- Mice
- Speakers
- Cords and cables
- Webcams
- Printers
- Software
- Cell Phones/Smart Phones

3. How does Dell Reconnect work?

The process is simple:
1) Sanitize your data. Click here for help on how to erase data from your device.
2) Gather up your old electronics of any brand, in any condition and drop them off at your local Goodwill^®.
3) Donated equipment is sorted, organized and tested for functionality.
4) Non-functional items are picked up by Dell Technologies to be responsibly recycled. Materials recycled are repurposed to create new products across various industries.

4. What happens to the equipment?

Non-functional items are picked up by Dell Technologies to be responsibly recycled. Materials recycled are repurposed to create new products across various industries. In some locations, equipment with life or usable parts may be refurbished for resale through Goodwill.

5. What happens to my data?

Dell’s approach to the handling of data storage devices returned to Dell and for any services carried out at your location aligns to the National Institute of Standards and Technology "Guidelines for Media Sanitization” (“NIST 800-88 r1”), and Dell will either:

1. Sanitize the device (in accordance with NIST 800-88 r1 “purge” or “clear” methods) in preparation for reuse; or
2. Destroy the device using physical shredding or other appropriate physical destruction methods (in accordance with NIST SP 800- 88 r1 “destroy” methods) when Dell elects not to reuse the device or when it is pre-sorted for recycling.

For more information, please see our Dell Media Sanitization Statement

6. How is Dell Reconnect different from other recycling options?

Dell Reconnect is unique because:
- It’s free to consumers.
- It creates jobs and skills training for Goodwill employees throughout local communities.
- By partnering with Goodwill, we’ve been able to offer over 2,000 drop-off locations for consumers to responsibly recycle their used electronics in North America.
- Your item may qualify as a charitable donation.

7. Will I receive any kind of receipt of donation from Dell for tax purposes?

You may receive donation receipts for tax purposes through our Dell Reconnect partnership with Goodwill^®. Receipts are provided at drop off location by the charitable organization.

Dell Trade In for Consumers and Small Business (US Only)

1. What is Dell Trade In?

Dell Trade In is a simple-to-use free service ideal for consumers and small businesses and is available at https://tradein.dell.com. Customers with eligible Dell and non-Dell devices can receive credit for trading in their old device and use the credit received toward product or service purchases at Dell.com. If the device does not qualify for trade in credit, we’ll recycle it for you, for free.

For additional frequently asked questions regarding Dell Trade In, click here.

Asset Recovery Services for Business Customers

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.