Bangalore, May 25 Computer maker Dell has banned the export of non-working electronics to developing countries as part of its global policy on responsible electronics disposal.
Dell’s electronics disposition policy now exceeds the requirements of the Basel Convention, which bans the export of certain electronic waste based on its material or chemical composition, the company said in a statement.
Unauthorised dumping
By expanding its definition of electronic waste to include all non-working parts or devices, irrespective of material composition, Dell aims to help prevent the unauthorised dumping of electronic waste in developing countries by requiring that equipment be tested and certified as “working” prior to export.
Dell does not permit electronic waste to be exported from developed (members countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development or the European Union) to developing countries, either directly or through intermediaries.
“We have partners to manage a safe, friendly recycling process and who understand that reusing computers by extending their life and performance is the way to go,” said Mr Mahesh Bhalla, General Manager, consumer business, India, Dell.
Free recycling
“To ensure that efficient and convenient product recovery options are available directly to consumers, Dell provides free recycling for any Dell branded product at anytime and for other branded products with the purchase of new Dell equipment,” he added.
Dell’s policy also states that all exports and imports of electronic waste handled by the company and its authorised environmental partners will comply with existing international waste trade agreements and legal requirements.
The policy also reinforces that electronic waste processed by Dell’s disposition chain is tracked and documented throughout the entire chain of custody until final disposition, and that Dell will audit its recycling, refurbishment and processing vendors at least annually to ensure they conform to Dell’s electronics disposition policy and environmental partner performance standards.
Source : Business Line