Sign in  |  Register  |  Help

Most Read on APEsphere

Most Commented on APEsphere

Blogs we like

Resources



Dell: If it IS broke, don't ditch it

Add this link to:

Related Links

Report Abuse:

So that we can keep the site friendly, legal and on-topic, please click the Report Abuse button if this story breaks the APEsphere Code.

Added by apesphere on 13 May 2009
From: economictimes.indiatimes.com

Image courtesy nDevilTV via Flickr

Dell has introduced a company ban on the export of broken computers, monitors and parts to developing countries to tackle the e-waste problem.

 

According to India's Economic Times:

 

"lax enforcement of environmental and worker-safety regulations have allowed an informal and often hazardous electronic-waste recycling industry to emerge."

 

Dell's public stand on the issue has been lauded by environmental groups including the Electronics Takeback Coalition.

 

Question: as I understand it developing countries are pretty good at patching up broken electronics and putting them back into use, with bloth environmental and economic development benefits as people can get hold of workable IT for much less than it would cost to buy something new. Is Dell's position the right way to tackle the toxic waste problem (which is undoubtedly severe), or does it risk forcing people in developing countries to purchase expensive new kit?

ADVERTISMENT

Comments

Add a comment

Already an APEsphere user? Login for one-click commenting. If not, sign in by email.
 
 
Kelsey
on 13 May 2009
Dang, my family's biz just signed up to take in 200lbs of old computers.  They thought it was the right thing to do.  Thanks for muddying the waters.  Did you ever see the 60-minutes report on toxic e-waste? Here it is: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/06/60minutes/main4579229.shtml