Dell's no-excuse recycling program begins

Dell started on Friday a U.S. recycling program that features free home pickup of any Dell computer or peripheral.

Unlike recycling programs offered by many other manufacturers, the Dell program does not require people to purchase a new product. Dell said the aim is to further motivate its customers to recycle, particularly those who may have put it off due to cost or inconvenience.

People can schedule pickups via Dell's Web site. Dell said the new program kicks off Friday. As of mid-morning, however, the Web site still reflected Dell's older recycling program.

The no-charge home pickup program was announced in June. Dell already offers similar programs in Europe and Canada.

After enduring tough criticism over the years from environmental groups, tech companies have started offering more ways for consumers to properly dispose of computer gadgets and to conserve electricity while using computer gear. Among tech companies, environmental advocacy group Greenpeace has singled out Dell and mobile-phone maker Nokia for their ecologically conscientious policies.

[TravisOwens]

What about CDrs/DVDrs

But will they recycle CDrs/DVDrs too? Which are recycleable, altough most people don't know, and most local dumps aren't setup for.

[Rick S.]

Dumb comment, really

You're in a tizzy about 1-ounce CDs and DVDs? I've got a Dell 21" CRT monitor, nearly 80 POUNDS, and a lrge portion of it consists of glass containing a huge amount of lead.

I'm extremely grateful. This is a WONDERFUL move for the environmental problems of PCs and peripherals, and Dell gets a A+ from me starting this program.

Now, if they'll just use power supplies and motherboards with industry standard connectors, instead of their weird proprietary stuff.....

[Rick S.]

CDs and DVDs are *INSIGNIFICANT*

in comparison to all the PCB-laden power supplies, and large amount of heavily-leaded glass in CRT monitors. Leaded solder, used within and upon older motherboards, is also a significant bio-hazard.

The plastics are relatively inert, and unlikely to cause Cancer. PCBs and Lead, on the other hand, are *BIG* problems.

[TravisOwens]

Why CD/DVDs aren't insignificant

Why do you guys think soda cans have a deposit? By your logic 1 little can is "insignificant", which is correct but looking at the big picture with dozens of discs per person multiplied by millions of people and guess what, it IS a big problem.

Yes computers are a large problem, but don't forget about the sum of the whole as well.