Jun 28 - Dell and HP Expand Recycling Programs World Wide

Dell and Hewlett-Packard have been in competition over the consumer computer market for years and have now extended their competition in to the world of recycling. HP announced June 27 that it will expand its computer recycling program, including a seven state swing of collection events that will accept various products from any manufacturer. Dell announced today that it plans to provide free recycling for its products for consumers around the world.

From HP press release:
HP today announced the expansion of its product return and recycling program to reach more customers and create new ways for people to discard used or unwanted electronic equipment in a convenient and environmentally responsible manner.

The company will host a series of product collection events in the United States throughout the summer to raise awareness and increase the rate of electronics recycling among consumers.

From Dell press release:
Under its new policy, Dell will provide consumers no-charge recycling of any Dell-branded product, regardless of whether a replacement product is purchased.  The company plans to launch the service in the U.S. by September, and globally by November. It is currently available in Europe. Dell has been focused on developing market-driven consumer recycling services for several years.

While Dell will be providing a free recycling option for consumers, that HP take back program will cost consumers between $20 to $35 to recycle computers. Apple recently launched their own recycling campaign that costs consumers $30 for computer take backs. Check out a comparison of all three programs.

Electronic waste has become a growing concern in California being tackled head on since the implementation of the Electronic Waste Recycling Act in 2005. CAW continues to work on reducing electronic waste, and is sponsoring of AB 3001 (Pavley) that would expand the E-waste Recycling Act to include personal computers, which stalled in the Assembly Appropriations Committee earlier this year.

What You Can Do

• Recycle your e-waste locally by checking out this page by county to find your nearest drop-off or other recycling option.
• Take action by sending an email showing your support for reviving AB 3001.