Dell and Staples Recycling efforts

Dell and its office supply vendor Staples announced this week that they will be offering a new recycling program available to anyone and everyone. Staples will now offer free recycling for Dell computers, printers and other products. Personally, I've never thrown a computer away or given it to anyone, just because I don't want someone looking into files on the hard drive and trying to steal my identity or something. Therefore, I've kept my two previous computers in my closet and I still haven't got rid of them. Anyway, since Dell and Staples announced their partnership last week, they explained that people can drop off any amount of Dell-branded PCs, monitors, keyboards, printers, mice and other accessories at any of Staples' 1,500 U.S. stores for recycling, without having to make a purchase. Yes indeed, you "don't have to make a purchase," however it seems like a smart tool to get you into the store and buy something. In fact, for many of the people who will be taking back an old computer I'd imagine they're going to need a new one... This may end up bringing in some business for Staples throughout these tough economic times.

"Staples started selling Dell computers last year as part of Dell's expansion from made-to-order sales on the Web into retail stores. Staples logs the incoming equipment, then hands it off Eco International, a recycling company that has worked with Staples and Dell rival Hewlett-Packard Co., in the past. Eco International picks up the PCs and other devices and brings them to one of its regional recycling facilities. It breaks everything down into parts and resells ones that still work. Then, it shreds what's left over and sells those materials to manufacturers that can reuse them. Electronics are laden with plastics, heavy metals and toxic chemicals, which often end up in dumps in China and other developing countries. Staples and Dell said Eco International does not export waste to other countries or send hazardous chemicals to landfills."

My only concern is can any of your information be recovered or used throughout this process? I'm skeptical to recycle my computer and what I have found is that there are ways to wipe out your hard drive using certain tools. Simple tools like Darik's Boot and Nuke (DBAN). DBAN are effective and can erase multiple hard drives at once: http://dban.sourceforge.net/. Still, however, I'm not sure how reliable these programs are. I also found an interesting article about a man's hard drive having problems. He took it to Best Buy, had it replaced, and was assured his hard drive would be destroyed. Little did he know some man would end up buying it at a flea market for $25. Here's the link if you would like to read it...http://redtape.msnbc.com/2006/06/one_year_ago_ha.html.

If you do decide to recycle...

Dell and Staples both operate other recycling programs. Staples offers free cell phone recycling and charges $10 per piece to accept non-Dell computers, printers and other PC-related items. Since 2007, Staples said it has collected 2 million pounds of electronics recycling.

Dell provides consumers a donation option for old computers. When you are ready for a new system there are neighbors in your community who could make use of your old one. Through Dell Recycling, consumers can donate their computers to the National Cristina Foundation to help disabled and economically disadvantaged children and adults in your own community. The foundation will pick up your computer at your door and put it to good use in your community.

If recycling your computer is your preference, Dell offers an environmentally friendly method to dispose of outdated computer equipment that no longer has useful life. Dell is happy to accept any brand of computer, keyboard, mouse, monitor or printer. And Dell will pick it up at your home.