ROUND ROCK, TX – Michael Dell, the founder of Dell Computer, today said the computer and consumer electronics maker would offer free recycling of Dell-branded products worldwide.

"We have a responsibility to our customers to recycle the products we make and sell," said Dell, who is chairman of the company. "Our direct relationships with consumers allow us to offer this easy and free service and we encourage others in our industry to do so as well."

"We don’t believe consumers should have to pay for responsible retirement of products,” Dell said.


The company plans to triple the volume of products it recycles by 2009.

Under its new policy, Dell will provide consumers no-charge recycling of any Dell-branded product, regardless of whether a replacement product is purchased. This is a change from Dell's current program under which the company would take back, free of charge, any brand of used computer or printer with the purchase of a new Dell computer or printer.

The company plans to launch the service in the U.S. by September, and globally by November. It is currently available in Europe.

Dell said the company's priority is reuse, then recycling of the raw materials.

A spokesman also said the company is in full compliance with RoHS worldwide. In response to a question, Dell said he felt OEMs were in a better position than governments to recycle programs.