Company Profiles

Dell

United States

Dell is the largest U.S. computer company and has come a long way from its past record of poor electronic waste handling. The company has become active in promoting electronics take-back and recycling, including providing grants and trainings on collection events for local communities. Dell is the first electronics company in the U.S. to offer free recycling of its own products without the requirement of a new purchase. The company will also recycle any brand of product with the purchase of a new Dell. Additionally, Dell has endorsed the Computer TakeBack Campaign's "Statement of Principles on Producer Responsibility for U.S. Electronic Waste." Dell is utilizing a design-for-environment program incorporating material restrictions, energy efficiency, design for durability, reuse, and recyclability. The company is going beyond regulatory requirements by committing to worldwide compliance with the European regulations on hazardous substances known as RoHS. Dell has a climate change strategy and is working to reduce its energy consumption in manufacturing and distribution. It is also including energy-saving features in its products and educating customers on the importance of using these features. While Dell does engage suppliers on environmental issues, the company could improve its transparency regarding supplier impacts.

To the best of our knowledge the above information is accurate and was obtained from sources we believe to be reliable. Neither the information presented above nor any opinion expressed shall be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy the security. The views expressed are those of portfolio management as of 9/30/08 and may not reflect current opinions or subsequent events.