Dell: Modular Design and Recycling for Circular PCs
Each year, more than 60 million tonnes of e-waste are created according to the United Nations.
This has been increasing by more than 2.6 million tonnes per year, putting e-waste production predictions at 82 million tonnes in 2030 if nothing changes.
Dell is trying to combat this change through designing circularity into its PCs, including AI PCs.
Cassandra Garber, Chief Sustainability Officer at Dell Technologies, says: “I've often said our sustainability strategy is as simple as ‘integration everywhere.’ A perfect example of that in action is the incredible list of circular design examples we can share that span so many aspects of our new AI PCs.”
About Dell’s Concept Luna
Concept Luna is Dell’s vision for sustainable PC design that was first showcased in 2021.
It aims to accelerate the expansion of sustainable technologies across its portfolio with principles like modular design, intelligent telemetry and redefining how customers refurbish, repair and recycle hardware.
Dell Pro and Pro Max notebooks are the world’s first commercial notebooks built with a modular USB-C port.
Typically, USB-C ports will be soldered to the mainboard – one of the most emissions-heavy parts of manufacturing.
It also makes these components difficult to repair or reuse.
Dell is now using screws to attach these ports, allowing for easier access without risking damage to critical computer components.
The company has also taken a look at batteries after it received customer requests for easier access.
It has introduced customer-replaceable batteries with simplified cable designs, allowing for easier repairability of devices.
Materials to support sustainability
Dell is using more recycled or renewable materials in its PCs, displays and accessories to reduce the environmental impact of products.
In 2024 the company used more than 95 million pounds of recycled and renewable materials, replacing virgin materials to conserve natural resources and reduce waste.
These materials include aluminium, bio-based plastic, recycled cobalt, recycled steel and recycled copper.
Throughout FY24, 96.4% of Dell’s packaging materials were reused, renewable or recycled and the company says “future accessories like our PC docks and backpacks will ship in 100% recycled or renewable packaging”.
Dell aims to achieve 100% packaging created from recycled or renewable materials or using reused packaging by 2030.
Michael Dell, Chairman and CEO at Dell Technologies, says: “Sustainability and ESG commitments are now widely recognised as business imperatives that impact everything from supplier decisions to business strategy.
“At Dell, we are both meeting our goals and helping customers meet theirs.”
How Dell supports reuse and recycling
Dell says that features like QR codes on its PCs will help customers to access support pages and extend the life of their product.
Select Alienware PC components will also feature QR codes that can provide instructions for upgrades, repairs or replacements.
The company’s recovery and recycling services offer both businesses and consumers reliable solutions to retire products alongside creating opportunities to reuse materials.
By 2030, Dell aims to reuse or recycle an equivalent amount for every tonne of technology purchased.
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