Dell and Staples Launch Free Recycling For Dell Customers Nationwide

New York

* Dell Extends Free Recycling Program to Staples’ 1,500 U.S. Stores for Greater Customer Convenience

The News:

* Dell and Staples are making it free to recycle any Dell computer product at Staples stores nationwide. Beginning today, customers can now responsibly recycle any amount of Dell branded computers, printers, monitors or peripheral items for free at Staples’ 1,500 U.S. store locations, without having to make a purchase.
* Staples is the first and only national retailer to offer Dell customers an everyday, free drop-off recycling option for their office technology. This program is one of the largest on-going consumer computer recycling programs to be launched in the United States.
* The new service expands Staples current in-store technology recycling program, which lets customers recycle cell phones and smaller electronics for free, larger office technology such a non-Dell branded computers and printers for a small fee, and ink and toner cartridges in return for $3 back in Staples Rewards. Staples is a member of the EPA’s Plug-in to eCycling Partnership and was the first national retailer to offer everyday recycling of office technology.
* The new service increases options for Dell customers to take advantage of free and convenient recycling. Dell is a leader in the computer industry in providing consumers computer recycling options.In 2007 the company collected 102 million pounds of IT equipment from customers, a 20 percent increase over 2006.
* Staples and Dell are working with Eco International, one of the country’s most experienced and innovative electronics recyclers, to handle recycling of the equipment, following guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program adheres to Dell’s recycling policies, which prohibit export of waste and the landfill of any environmentally sensitive materials.

Quotes:

David Daoud, research manager for IDC said, “It’s clear that the key making consumer electronics recycling efforts work lies in making programs affordable and convenient, as well as raising consumer awareness about recycling. The Dell and Staples effort is a very compelling manufacturer-retailer recycling partnership and is a substantial step forward in increasing the number of computers recovered for responsible recycling in the United States.”

Ed Skernolis, acting executive director of the National Recycling Coalition said, “Congratulations to Dell and Staples on launching the largest free consumer computer recycling program in the country today. This is a win for consumers, it brings more free and responsible recycling options for used computer equipment in an easy-to-use program and we expect it will help increase recycling rates for used computers. Consumers can also rest assured that when they turn in their used computer for recycling, all materials are tracked to ensure environmentally-sound processing"

Phil Bryant, vice president and general manager Americas consumer sales for Dell said, “Dell and Staples are both passionate about making it easy for consumers to purchase, own and recycle technology products. This program demonstrates industry leadership in offering free and convenient recycling options, and deepens our relationship with Staples, our partner in bringing value to consumers.”

Peter Scala, senior vice president of merchandising for Staples, Inc. said, “Providing convenient recycling options is one of the ways Staples makes it easy for our customers to make a difference for the environment– what we call EcoEasy. By working with Dell on this nationwide program, we are making it even easier for small businesses and individuals to responsibly dispose of their technology at the end of its use.”

About Dell

Dell (Nasdaq: DELL) offers free recycling globally to consumers.

Staples, the world’s largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With $27 billion in sales, Staples serves businesses of all sizes and consumers in 27 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. In July 2008, Staples acquired Corporate Express, one of the world’s leading suppliers of office products to businesses and institutions. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.