Dell enhances recycling program for businesses

Computerworld - Dell Computer Corp. this week said it has enhanced its assets recovery program for businesses and public-sector organizations such as schools and government agencies.
The computer maker announced that it will charge customers in the U.S. a fixed price of $49.95 to dispose of a computer, monitor, mouse and keyboard in a way that safeguards the environment and protects sensitive data.
Customers of Dell's Asset Recovery Services can decide whether to recycle or resell old or outdated computer hardware, including desktops, notebooks, servers, storage, networking, monitors, projectors and computer peripherals such as keyboards or mice.
Ken Hashman, Dell's vice president of deployment services, said customers who recycle their computers want to make sure that confidential data is protected and that the recycling program complies with all state and federal laws regarding disposal of hazardous materials.
He said Dell overwrites data on a computer's hard drive three times and will certify that it has expunged all the data and has complied with all environmental regulations. Customers who want additional protection can pay extra to have their hard drives destroyed.
The service can be ordered through Dell's Web site when customers first purchase new equipment, or later, Dell said.
The company, which touted the program in a conference call on Wednesday, said it's no longer using Federal Prison Industries Inc., which operates under the name Unicor, to do the recycling. Unicor staffs its recycling program with prison inmates. Instead, Dell is using Resource Concepts Inc. in Carrollton, Texas, and Image Microsystems Inc. in Commerce, Calif., to dispose of the machines.
In a survey of more than 900 businesses and public sector organizations that was commissioned by Dell, more than 50% of the respondents said they didn't know the proper way to recycle old computers. Almost 80% of the respondents said they had systems in storage at off-site facilities, and nearly 70% said they weren't aware of the disposal services offered by technology vendors.
Pat Nathan, Dell's senior executive for the environment, said companies should dispose of old computers they may have in storage.