1.    Why should I recycle my computer hardware and peripherals?

Recycling computer hardware and peripherals is essential for two key reasons:

• Resource Conservation – Many of the materials in these products can be recovered and repurposed to manufacture new devices, reducing landfill waste and the demand for raw materials.
• Environmental Protection – Certain components contain materials that require proper disposal or specialized recycling to prevent environmental harm.

By recycling, you help create a more sustainable future while responsibly managing electronic waste.

2.     Are there any costs for shipping or recycling through Dell’s Recovery and Recycling Services?

There are no costs for shipping or recycling your used electronics through Dell’s consumer and small business services, which include Dell Trade In (US only), Mail Back (US only; Return to Dell outside the US) and Dell Reconnect (US only).

3.     I just purchased a new Dell computer, and I’d like to recycle the packaging. What should I do?

If you are unsure whether your packaging is recyclable, please contact your local recycling facility for further questions.

4.    Do you also accept non-Dell-branded products for recycling?     

     Yes, Dell’s Recovery and Recycling Services accept electronic products of any brand and in any condition.

5.    Does my product need to be in working order to recycle?

Dell’s recycling programs will accept products in any condition, including non-working equipment.

6.     How do I recycle laptop batteries?

For recycling batteries in the US, visit www.call2recycle.org and type in your zip code. This website will tell you the location of the nearest facility for dropping off your batteries. 

7.     Where can I recycle ink and toner cartridges?

We recommend you responsibly dispose of your used ink and toner cartridges through your local retailers or original manufacturers. Dell does not offer a printer supplies recycling program. Specific equipment that is accepted will vary based on your location and service. 
 

8.    What are the electronics waste recycling laws in the U.S.?

Refer to this document on state level legislation in the U.S. regarding e-waste.

9.  Tell me more about the California State Environmental Fee?

The State of California passed legislation instituting that a mandatory State Environmental Fee be collected for certain electronic products shipped directly from Dell to California. This law, referred to as the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003, requires manufacturers to collect a fee for these electronic products sold within or into the State of California. Please visit the CallRecycle website for additional information. 

10.  Are products shipped to other countries for recycling?

No. As outlined in the Dell Electronics Disposition Policy, e-waste is not exported to developing countries.

11.  My question isn't listed — whom can I contact?

For any additional information not provided above, please send us an email.

1.    What do I do about the data on my hard drive?

For consumers and small businesses, you are responsible for all confidential data that may be stored on the devices you wish to recycle. Before you recycle a product, please be sure to: 

·       Remove any detachable media, such as diskettes, CDs or PC cards.

·       Back up or transfer any data prior to deletion. Need help transferring data? Learn more about Dell Migrate, a quick and secure way to move your data from one Dell device to another.

·       Delete all data from the hard drive and any other storage devices. Need help? Click here for a step-by-step guide for erasing data from your device.

For our client and enterprise customers, we offer data sanitization services to help protect your company’s sensitive information and brand reputation. Please visit our Recovery and Recycling Services for Business to learn more.

2.      Do I get any kind of receipt confirming my hard drive was destroyed?

No confirmation of hard drive destruction is provided for Dell’s Consumer and Small Business Recovery and Recycling Services, which include Dell Trade In (US only), Mail Back (US only; Return to Dell outside the US) and Dell Reconnect (US only). However, for business customers, Dell’s Asset Recovery Services does provide this option as well as additional reporting. For more information about Asset Recovery Services and our data sanitization practices, click here.

For more information about how we safeguard your data and important information, visit media sanitization of data storage devices.

1.     What is Dell’s Mail Back program (or Return to Dell)?

The Mail Back program (or Return to Dell; options vary based on country or region) is free a service that allows consumers to responsibly recycle their used computer equipment, any brand in any condition.  

·       Dell Mail Back, which is available in the US and Canada, allows customers to complete an online shipping form to generate a pre-paid label for mailing back their equipment, by which they then drop off at a participating carrier.

·       Return to Dell, available outside of the US and Canada, allows customers to schedule a pick-up with a local carrier.

2.     How does the Mail Back program work?

Simply follow these steps: 

a.       Sanitize your data from hard drive. Click here for help with erasing data from your device.

b.       In the US or Canada, complete the online form and print pre-paid shipping label. The shipping label form is specific to the asset type you are recycling. Choose the label form that corresponds with what type of equipment you wish to recycle:

                                 i.    PCs and Laptops shipping label form

                                 ii.   Computer Accessories shipping label form

c.       Package your equipment using any suitable shipping box you have and affix shipping label.

d.       Drop off at your local participating mailing center.

3.      Does the Mail Back program provide packaging materials?

To reduce waste, Dell does not include packing materials. However, in adherence to e-waste legislation requirements in these states, residents of Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey or New York may request a box when creating a shipping label.

4.   Is it OK to put more than one item in a box?

Yes, you may place multiple items in a box as long as the weight of the box doesn’t exceed 150 pounds, and the maximum dimension for U.S. domestic packages is 108" in length or 165" in length plus girth. Girth is defined as two times the width plus two times the height (2xW + 2xH).

5.  What is the maximum shippable box size and weight?

The weight may not exceed 150 pounds, and the maximum dimension for U.S. domestic packages is 108" in length or 165" in length plus girth. Girth is defined as two times the width plus two times the height (2xW+ 2xH).

6.   Does Dell provide cash back for systems in good shape?

Dell Trade In offers credit to customers for trading in their old eligible devices (accepting both Dell and non-Dell devices). That credit can then be used toward their next Dell.com. If the device does not qualify for trade in credit, we’ll recycle it for you, for free.

1. What is the Dell Reconnect program?

Dell Reconnect is a recycling partnership with Goodwill ^®Industries offering consumers a free and convenient way to responsibly recycle their used electronics.

2. How does Dell Reconnect work?

The process is simple:

a) Sanitize your data.  Click here for help erasing data from your device.

b) Gather up your old electronics of any brand, in any condition and drop them off at your participating Goodwill ^®.

c) Donated equipment is sorted, organized and tested for functionality.

d) Non-functional items are picked up by Dell Technologies to be responsibly recycled. Materials recycled are repurposed to create new products across various industries.

3. What items do you accept? What condition?

Dell Reconnect accepts these items, of any brand, in any condition:

· Monitors

· Desktops

· Laptops

· Tablets

· Printers

· Scanners

· Hard drives (internal or external)

· Keyboards

· Mice

· Speakers

· Cords and cables

· Webcams

· Printers

· Video Game Consoles and Gaming Controllers 

· Media (CDs, magnetic)

· Modems, routers, and docks

· Cell Phones/Smart Phones

· Digital/Cable Boxes, Satellite Receivers 

4. What happens to the equipment?

Non-functional items are picked up by Dell Technologies to be responsibly recycled. Materials recycled are repurposed to create new products across various industries. In some locations, equipment with life or usable parts may be refurbished for resale through Goodwill.

5. How is Dell Reconnect different from other recycling options?

Dell Reconnect is unique because: 

· It creates jobs and skills training for Goodwill employees throughout local communities.

· By partnering with Goodwill, we’ve been able to offer over 2,000 drop-off locations for consumers to responsibly recycle their used electronics in North America.

· Your item may qualify as a charitable donation.

6. Will I receive any kind of receipt of donation from Dell for tax purposes?

You may receive donation receipts for tax purposes through our  Dell Reconnect partnership with Goodwill ^®. Receipts are provided at drop-off location by the charitable organization.

1.     What is Dell Trade In?

Dell Trade In is a easy-to-use, free service ideal for consumers and small businesses (with 25 devices or less) and is available at https://tradein.dell.com. Customers with eligible Dell and non-Dell devices can receive credit for trading in their old device and use that credit toward their next Dell.com purchase. If the device does not qualify for trade-in credit, we’ll recycle it for you, for free.

For additional frequently asked questions regarding Dell Trade In, click here.

1.     What is Asset Recovery Services?

Asset Recovery Services is a premium service that helps customers of all sizes securely and responsibly retire legacy IT equipment, regardless of brand. Dell handles every detail from pick up to final reporting and sanitizes data in strict alignment with the NIST SP 800-88 r1 standard. We maximize reuse so customers can reinvest value from aging equipment, and if there’s no value, we recycle all devices in compliance with regulatory guidelines.

For additional frequently asked questions regarding Asset Recovery Services, please click here.