Dell Dips Into No-Charge PC Recycling

The expanded program, which was announced in late June, lets consumers return any Dell-branded hardware free of charge. It is not tied to a new or replacement purchase, and includes home pick-up of computers, monitors, and peripherals.

A new Web site will be available starting Friday where consumers will enter a product ID number, print a pre-paid shipping label, and schedule pick up.

"We want to make recycling easy and free for consumers, and [we] are committed to recycling what we make and sell," said Eric Gates, the manager of Dells asset recovery services, in a statement.

The program, which has already been implemented in Canada, will be rolled out worldwide by November, Dell said.

Rival computer makers Hewlett-Packard and Apple Computer have recycling programs in place, but theirs include additional strings. Apple's for-free plan requires users to buy a new Mac or monitor, while HP's take-back program costs between $13 and $46, depending on what's shipped. HP, however, offers rebate coupons when buying new hardware which largely offset recycling charges.