In December of 2000 Dell launched the Dell Exchange, an online service that helps consumers in the U. donate, trade-in, or sell old PCs and related products. Dell Exchange provides consumers with the option of donating used computer systems to the National Christina Foundation (NCF), a non-profit organization that places thousands of used PC's and accessories into charities that, among other things, benefit disabled and economically disadvantaged children and adults nationwide. Through the partnership, people who own mid-to-late model PC's are able to donate them to charity and are rewarded with a tax deduction determined by the charity. .
The National Christina Foundation works to ensure that used computer resources that no longer meet an enterprise's needs are "given a second productive life as a tool for developing human potential"(www.christina.org) . Since 1995, hundreds of thousands of computers have been donated. "Donating a used computer is perhaps one of the easiest ways to embrace the spirit of giving Our organization's motto is "old computers have the power to give new life" and we want to encourage consumers across the country to not let their old computers gather dust at home but rather help organizations in their communities use that "re-use power" to help others," said Yvette Marrin, president of National Christina Foundation. John Hamlin, vice president of Dell's Consumer Group also said, "Used computers can be put to good use by many kinds of organizations. It's an easy way to make wishes come true for those who are less fortunate. And we"re proud to be working with the National Christina Foundation on this important effort" (www.dell.com). The NCF accepts systems with 486 Mhz or greater processors, monitors, and most other PC-related items. .
Computers recycled through the Dell Exchange are separated into components, primarily plastics, metals, and glass. Approximately 98 percent of the materials in a computer re-enter the raw material stream through this process.