Divert old computers from the landfill

February 24, 2007

Posted By:  mrdisco

27 Votes

Status: Partially Implemented

Promote

Dell is one of the largest computer retailers in the world. It stands to reason that a lot of Dell products end up in our municipal landfills. This has got to stop. I propose:

1. Dell institute a deposit surcharge on their products. The more environmentally unfriendly (i.e. batteries) the higher the deposit. At the end of the product's life cycle the item can be turned in to receive their deposit back. It would be transferable so new owners of old equipment can still qualify. This would encourage owners to return their unused devices rather than throwing it in the garbage. The money Dell earns on the interest from these deposits could be used to fund their environmental efforts.

2. Parts from old devices should be salvaged and recycled/reused. Such devices could be installed with Linux and open source software to be donated to charities or other countries.

Further:
3. Dell should use their influence and put an end to 'electron guzzlers', in particular the ridiculous amounts of power new generation of video cards are set to consume. Just as SUVs have received a bad rep, so too should such environmentally inefficient devices.

4. Evaluate their real estate and make a concerted effort to reducing, reusing, and recycling. Use trees and natural lighting for aesthetic and environmental reasons (see the Ferrari factory in Italy as a great example).

5. Become a paperless company where ever possible. For example, why send me a paper invoice when a PDF would suffice?


DELL/ Status Update
In our Reconnect program, Dell partners with several Goodwill locations to provide responsible recycling or reuse of computer equipment. We hope to continually expand the program. Here are details from our latest partnership. You can also find more on our commitment to the environment at this link.

27 Votes | 4 Comments | Report Abuse

Please login to IdeaStorm to post a comment.

    Comments :
     

  • Apr 3, 2008     Comment Link

    Report Abuse

    Posted By: todd_d

    Of course we can't control what people do with our computers once they purchase them, but Dell is working to make it easier and easier for customers to get their old computers recycled. Just recently we announced that we're expanding our free recycling and drop-off program with Goodwill: http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/2008/03/27/dell-and-goodwill-offer-free-recycling-in-the-houston-area.aspx

    We've also got one of the best recycling programs in the business. All equipment bought through us, including peripherals, can be recycled for free: http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/dell_recycling?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

    Last but not least, we've got the Dell Outlet, which refurbishes computers that are returned to us and sells them with the same warranty as if they were new: www.delloutlet.com.

    Speaking of landfills, have a look at our most recent announcement: http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/about_dell/media/main/greenpower_home?c=us&l=en&s=gen&~ck=anavml

    Of course there is plenty still to be done, and we count on our customers to let us know which areas still need work or improvement. Keep the green ideas coming! Thanks, Todd Dwyer Community Liaison - Environment
    •  

  • Jul 31, 2007     Comment Link

    Report Abuse

    Posted By: dell_admin10

    Being environmentally conscious company is a priority for Dell.

    Here are just some of our environmental initiatives: - A global no-charge consumer recycling program where computer equipment can be donated to charity or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner - Design for the Environment Program which looks at ways to make the product life cycle greener, from supplier management during component manufacturing to end-of-life solutions. - Manufacturing and operations that focus on conserving resources and managing waste and emissions - For more on our commitment to the environment, copy this link: http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/corp/environment/en/index?c=us&l=en&s=corp&~ck=mn
    •  

  • Jul 31, 2007     Comment Link

    Report Abuse

    Posted By: dell_admin10

    Changed status to **PARTIALLY IMPLEMENTED**.
    •  

  • Feb 24, 2007     Comment Link

    Report Abuse

    Posted By: technicaljoe

    Perhaps trade-in would encourage better disposal of old computers?