Dell Goes Green – Bans Harmful Exports

For years, environmental groups have pressured companies in the electronic industries to take a firm stance against exports of non-working dangerous materials to developing countries. The concern is that the developing countries can hurt people and the environment when dumping the material. Dell, a leading computer company out of Texas, has decided to take such measures.

Dell’s new policy regarding is available at Dell.com/recycling. Environmental groups have applauded Dell’s new policy.

“Too many companies are still exporting used, non-working electronic equipment to developing countries, supposedly for repairs,” said Barbara Kyle, the national coordinator for the Electronics TakeBack Coalition. “We applaud Dell for drawing a clear line by saying they will not export non-working electronics to developing countries – not for recycling, and not for repairs. Dell’s policy on e-waste export is now the strongest in the industry and demonstrates Dell’s leadership as a global environmental citizen.”

Dell hopes that their lead will inspire other companies in the electronic industries to follow.

“As one of the world’s leading providers of technology, we recognize our responsibility to ensure that technology is disposed of properly at the end of its usable life,” said Tod Arbogast, Dell’s director of sustainable business. “These additions to our disposition policy reflect the way Dell has been operating for years with regard to electronics disposition. We strongly encourage the rest of the industry to do the same using globally consistent practices like these.”

Dell Computer (Image: Flickr)