Print

 Email

Dell today became the first major computer manufacturer to ban the export of e- waste to developing countries as part of its global policy on responsible electronics disposal. Dell says it aims to help prevent the unauthorized dumping of electronic waste in developing countries.

In recent times, e- waste, that include broken computers, monitors, and computer parts has emerged as a grave problem & the e-waste crisis will worsen over the next several years until 2015, when volume will peak at 73 million metric tons, according to a report from Pike Research.

Dell says its electronics disposition policy now exceeds requirements of the Basel Convention, which bans the export of certain electronic waste based on its material or chemical composition.

This means that Dell will not export, directly or indirectly through vendors in its recycling chain, any non-working electronic product from developed nations to developing nations for recycling, reuse, repair, or disposal. The only exception is for warranty repairs by the original equipment manufacturers.

Dell’s disposition chain is tracked and documented throughout the entire chain of custody until final disposition. Dell said it will audit its recycling, refurbishment and processing vendors at least annually to ensure they conform to Dell’s electronics disposition policy and environmental partner performance standards.

In addition, Dell and Goodwill Industries recently extended their five-year recycling partnership to six additional states — Arkansas, Iowa, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon and Vermont. A total of 18 states are now covered by the program, with more than 1,000 Goodwill stores participating.

Another leading computer maker recently announced that it is offering free computer recycling for schools for a limited time only. Apple says it will recycle old Mac computers, PCs, and qualifying peripherals from any manufacturer for free.

A 2008 report by the Government Accountability Office found that a substantial amount of electronic waste ends up in countries such as China and India, where they are often handled and disposed of unsafely, according to the Electronics TakeBack Coalition.

The decision to ban the export of electronic waste including non-working electronics to developing countries is a great move by the company. If the e-waste is once exported; this equipment will probably end up being dumped like regular trash or recycled in informal and often hazardous ways such as smashing and burning in open air.