Branded ''HCL eSafe'', the desktops are compliant with the ''restriction of hazardous substances'' (RoHS) directive. They have negligible or zero quantities of hazardous materials like lead, cadmium and mercury, and are therefore more recycling friendly.

HCL has unified its various environment protection initiatives under a single ''HCL eSafe'' programme. According to George Paul, executive vice president, HCL Infosystems, all of the company''s desktops and notebooks computers will be RoHS compliant by the end of the year.

The eco-friendly desktops are priced starting Rs15,000, and progress up to Rs60,000, depending on their configuration and peripherals.

Earlier in the year, HCL had launched RoHs-complaint notebooks in the price range of Rs25,000 - Rs100,000.

Phasing out of lead and cadmium in the computer''s components involves the application of silver components, which has resulted in a marginal cost increase that the company has decided not to pass on to its customers.

Under HCL''s eSafe programme, customers can dispose of their used mobiles, electronic gadgets, computers in any of the company''s 200 collection centres across India, for appropriate disposal and recycling of e-waste, a growing concern worldwide. The company has partnered with Chennai-based government approved recycling plant, Trishiraya, where all collected products are recycled.