Dell expands US electronics recycling program

AFP Yahoo News 11 Feb 09;

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Computer maker Dell on Wednesday expanded its US electronics recycling network to more states and began an online gadget trade-in program.

People can bring used computers and other electronics to Goodwill stores in 18 states, where items in decent shape are resold and devices in need of repair are either refurbished or broken down to salvage as scrap.

Goodwill trains people with disabilities or other disadvantages to test, refurbish or strip down devices.

Items not resold in Goodwill stores are broken into parts to be recycled by Dell partners at locations worldwide, according to Mike Watson, head of the firm's worldwide recycling program.

The partnership with Dell creates jobs while diverting electronic waste from landfills, according to Susanne Fredericks of Goodwill.

"Our mission is to create jobs for the people we serve," Fredericks said. "One of our big focuses is environmental. We want to handle donations in an environmentally sensitive manner."

More than 50 million pounds of electronic equipment have been recycled through Goodwill since the partnership with Dell started in Texas, according to Fredericks.

Also Wednesday, an online Dell Exchange tool is going live, letting people easily calculate trade-in value of used electronics, regardless of the brand, and ship them to redeem Dell gift cards.

"This is something our customers are asking for," Watson said. "It makes sense. It's the right thing to do and we are committed to the full life cycle of our products."