Apple launches computer take-back
updated 08:45 am EDT, Wed May 31, 2006
Computer take-back program
Apple today announced the launch of its free computer take-back program, offering US customers environmentally friendly recycling of their old computer when they buy a new Mac. Beginning today, the Apple Store and Apple retail stores will give US customers the option of recycling their unwanted PCs, regardless of the manufacturer. "When a customer chooses to participate in the program, Apple will send an email with instructions and a label for free shipping and recycling. Customers simply package their recyclable equipment and attach the label provided," Apple said. "All equipment received by the program is recycled domestically and no hazardous material is shipped overseas."
Apple also said that its recycling programs have processed more than 21 million pounds of electronics worldwide since 1994. Apple continues to offer a free iPod recycling program through its US retail stores, providing environmentally friendly disposal of any unwanted iPod and a 10 percent discount on the purchase of a new iPod. The company also operates a free drop-off recycling service at its headquarters in Cupertino for used computer systems and home electronics.
Thank you Apple!
05/31, 08:53am reply
This is a great move. Closing the loop at every oportunity. This will also help to start to force designers to make their products easier to recycle. Anyway to save money and prevent pollution through better design I can support.
mmmdoughnuts
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2006
Glad to see this
05/31, 08:58am reply
This is a very good idea, but I wonder if there is a limitation to what is recyclable? Also, what do they do with all the old CRT's, Floppy Drives and Dot Matrix printers? Chop them up for filler? Soylent Green? Anchors? Melt for fuel?
Just curious, really.
dynsight
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
tax deduction
05/31, 09:33am reply
Apple probably takes any equipment that is in good working condition and donates it to charity for a tax deduction. Non-working equipment is probably dismantled for recycling as cleanly as possible. The tax deduction Apple gets probably doesn't cover the full cost of the program.
topless
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2003
no tax deduction...
05/31, 10:42am reply
No need to guess about the program...
Site: http://www.apple.com/environment/recycling/program/index.html
FAQ: http://www.apple.com/environment/recycling/program/faq.html
Also like many other companies that do this type of recycling they don't make any attempts to find usable hardware in what they receive they just strip it and grind it up. It would cost them far to much to evaluate if a computer they get is functional... it is just not feasible with the volumes involved.
shawnce
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2000