Dell Takes Strong Stance Against Exporting e-Waste

Dell has became the first major computer manufacturer to ban the export of non-working electronics to developing countries as part of its global policy on responsible electronics disposal.

Dell’s electronics disposition policy now exceeds the requirements of the Basel Convention, which bans the export of certain electronic waste based on its material or chemical composition. By expanding its definition of electronic waste to include all non-working parts or devices, irrespective of material composition, Dell aims to help prevent the unauthorised dumping of electronic waste in developing countries by requiring that equipment be tested and certified as ‘working’ prior to export.

These additions to the company’s disposition policy reflect Dell’s commitment to responsibly manage sensitive electronic waste through final disposition.

Dell’s electronics disposition policy, available at www.dell.com/recycling, lays out the company’s commitment to responsibly dispose of all electronic waste generated by Dell’s global operations and take-back programs. In it, Dell defines electronic waste as non-working parts or devices, irrespective of material composition. It does not include:

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- Materials deemed non-hazardous by the Basel Convention;

- Working equipment and parts that are not intended for disposal or recycling, but for donation, reuse or resale;

- Components being returned under warranty to the original equipment manufacturer; or

- Materials to be used in manufacturing without further processing or preparation.

The policy also states:

- All exports and imports of electronic waste handled by Dell and its authorised environmental partners will comply with existing international waste trade agreements and legal requirements;

- Dell does not permit electronic waste to be exported from developed (members countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development [OECD] or the European Union [EU]) to developing (non-OECD/EU) countries, either directly or through intermediaries;

- No prison or child labour will be used in the disposal of electronic waste; and

- Every reasonable effort will be made to control all electronic wastes and prevent it from entering landfills or incinerators.

The policy also reinforces that electronic waste processed by Dell’s disposition chain is tracked and documented throughout the entire chain of custody until final disposition, and that Dell will audit its recycling, refurbishment and processing vendors at least annually to ensure they conform with Dell’s electronics disposition policy and environmental partner performance standards.

Mahesh Bhalla, general manager (consumer business – India), Dell, said, “As a provider of technology, we recognise our responsibility towards environmental issues concerning responsible product retirement and support re-cycling regulation or legislative proposals that are consistent and in line with our producer responsibility policy. We have partners to manage a safe, friendly recycling process and who understand that reusing computers by extending their life and performance is the way to go. To ensure that efficient and convenient product recovery options are available directly to consumers, Dell provides free recycling for any Dell branded product at anytime and free recycling for other branded products with the purchase of new Dell equipment.”