29/11/2005 - The Australian Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell, today welcomed moves by Dell to recycle customers’ old computers.

Under the programme that begins in Melbourne and Sydney next month, the company will take old computers of any brand for recycling from customers who buy either of two specified products.

“I congratulate Dell on its commitment to delivering free and effective computer recycling and am proud that industry is tackling this important problem,” Senator Campbell said.

“Every year approximately 1.5 million computers reach the end of their lives in Sydney and Melbourne alone. This equates to more than 50,000 tonnes of computers being stored in garages or disposed of to landfill, instead of being recycled.

“Computers contain many valuable products, such as metal, glass and plastics, and through proper recycling we can salvage their value.

“A lot of work is needed to raise computer recycling levels in Australia, not only with current equipment but also emptying offices, houses and garages of discarded machines.

“The Australian and state and territory governments are developing with the information industry a programme which should lift recycling rates significantly in coming years.

“I plan to host a roundtable with the computer industry early next year to progress it.
“Dell is to be commended for showing environmental leadership on this issue.”
For more information visit www.deh.gov.au/settlements/waste/index.html or www.dell.com.au