Dell Expands Electronics Recycling Program

According to a press release, Dell is expanding its U.S. Reconnect electronics recycling program and is launching Dell Exchange, an online version of the program, which enables consumers to recycle any brand of unwanted computer equipment (and various other electronic devices) in exchange for a Dell Gift Card. The program is designed to help keep used electronics out of landfills by providing consumers with free shipping labels to send in their devices and, like the U.S. reconnect recycling partnership, gives Dell Gift cards to participants. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too?

The release also says that the U.S. Reconnect recycling partnership between Dell and Goodwill Industries has been expanded to feature six additional states—Arkansas, Iowa, New Hampshire, Oregon, Maine, and Vermont—bringing the total number of participating Goodwill stores to more than 1,000. Under the Dell-Goodwill program, most (though not all) types of electronics components can be turned in at participating Goodwill stores for recycling. Proceeds from the recycled components are returned to Goodwill to help the organization’s mission, while those recycling unwanted components through Goodwill receive donation receipts for tax purposes.

Mike Watson, senior manager of Dell Global Recycling Services, says in the release that “Today we’re making it even easier for environmentally conscious customers to do the right thing. Every technology provider has a responsibility to provide free, easy and responsible recycling to consumers worldwide. We hope 2009 is the year that brings the industry together around this shared principle.”

For more information, visit www.reconnectpartnership.com and www.dell.com/tradein.