Dell's Hot New Recycling Program Launches Today

We write about recycling old computer gear a lot, and responses have invariably been heated when the issue of compensating the recycler comes up.

Well here's a new recycling program from Dell (which just opened today) that I don't think anyone can complain about (though I'm sure a few will try).

The deal, in a nutshell: Dell will come to your house and pick up just about anything for recycling (if it's busted) or donation to the National Cristina Foundation (if it still works), provided it's a Dell product. Or if you're buying a new Dell, the company will recycle the junk you're replacing for free with the same terms.

The only even remotely tricky part of the program is that you still have to box up the equipment so DHL (which handles the pickup) can get it shipped to the recycling center intact. This can be problematic if you have an enormous old CRT monitor and don't have a box big enough, but I have to figure that hunting down a large box is easier than fitting the giant monitor in your trunk and paying someone to take it off your hands.

HP, Apple, Gateway, Toshiba, and others all have trade-in recycling programs (sometimes paying you for recycled gear) that will take your stuff away when you buy new equipment from them, but Dell is the first I've seen that will pick up its old equipment from your house, for free, without a purchase. Do any other vendors offer such a deal that I don't know about? Let the world know in the comments section!