Environmentalist from the Texas Campaign for the Environment are calling on Dell to take a leadership role in finding a solution to the problem of discarded computers and consumer electronics.

Environmentalist from the Texas Campaign for the Environment (TCE) are calling on Dell to take a leadership role in finding a solution to the problem of discarded computers and consumer electronics. These waste streams are also called e-wastes.

Members of TCE organized events outside a recent Dell annual meeting. Their purpose was to attempt to educate the attendants, media and the public in general about the e-waste problem. TCE is working in concert with GrassRoots Recycling Network and Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition to coordinate the national Computer TakeBack Campaign.

The groups explain that e-wastes contain lead, mercury, cadmium, flame-retardant plastics and other materials that, when discarded, can pose a threat to human health and the environment. The organization also claims that tens of millions of computers alone become obsolete in the U.S. every year while only 10 percent are recycled.

The European Union has issued two directives relating to e-wastes. One requires producers to take back used equipment and the other requires producers to phase out hazardous materials from electronics. It is reported at Green Biz that Dell has responded to the tighter regulations abroad to control e-wastes. Dell has established take-back programs for used computers and equipment in Europe and Japan.