Unlike some corporations that offer electronics recycling, Dell offers both corporate and individual electronics recycling. Let’s look a little more closely at some of the major electronics recycling options that Dell offers.
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Dell Computer Recycling
The Dell computer recycling program is not limited to only Dell-brand computers. Dell’s e-waste recycling program currently accepts any computer, including those not in good working condition. Dell additionally offers documentation so that you can best utilize Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Product End-of-Life Instructions for a wide range of computers, including desktops (Dell’s Dimension, OptiPlex, Precision, and XPS lines, for instance), laptops (Dell’s Inspiron, Latitude, and Precision lines, for instance), servers (such as PowerEdge), storage (such as PowerVault and Dell/EMC), printers, projectors, and more. There is no cost for any computer recycling courtesy Dell, either.
From when you drop off your computer, there are several different options as to what might happen next. Some computers are taken apart, in which case some parts are used for the refurbishment of other computers or for repairs, and other parts are recycled. Other computers are refurbished. In that case, their data is wiped first, so your data is always safe.
Laptop Recycling
Dell will also accept laptops as part of their recycle program. Depending on how they are recycled (for instance, if they are recycled via the Dell Reconnect program, which refurbishes old laptops for reuse), your decision to recycle may even be tax-deductible.
Dell accepts both individual donations and corporate donations, so whether you’re looking at your home clean-up project or updating your business networking and information processing capacity, you can and should take advantage of Dell’s program.
While the laptop batteries are not recyclable in Dell’s program, Dell does suggest using a third-party recycler that does, such as Call2Recycle.
Printer Recycling
As with computers (desktops and laptops), Dell will accept all printers for recycling, including those no longer in working condition. The printers are then either refurbished as part of the Dell Reconnect program or taken apart. Once taken apart, various parts are shipped off either for recycling or for use in refurbishing or repairing other printers. And as with both desktops and laptops, your decision to recycle may be tax-deductible.
The Dell Reconnect program, for instance, takes those printers and works with Goodwill to help ensure that individuals or organizations who need the refurbished printer. You can also be assured that your data is wiped before the Dell Reconnect program connects your device (whether a printer, desktop, or laptop) with need. Additionally, Dell Reconnect helps give Goodwill employees jobs and skills training, so you can feel good about your recycling donation in a bunch of different ways.
Toner and Ink Cartridge Recycling
Unlike other types of electronics recycling, Dell at this time can only accept Dell toner and ink cartridges for their electronics recycling program. That said, if you have non-Dell toner cartridges or empty ink cartridges, there are options available to you, including simply refilling your toner and ink cartridges as they get low. That can be a great way to limit your environmental impact, and if refilling isn’t a good option for you, odds are good you can still recycle your cartridges—just not with Dell if they are not Dell-brand cartridges.
Regardless of what you are recycling, Dell’s program prides itself on limiting its environmental impact. Whether a desktop or laptop computer, printer, or toner or ink cartridges, working with Dell to recycle is a great way to limit your electronics environmental impact. And you can feel good about Dell’s policies that help limit their environmental impact if you’re looking to upgrade with a new computer, too, just as the Dell Reconnect program can help you feel good about how your old computer might be used.
