Apple Computer Recycling Program Begins

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Apple has activated its previously announced free computer take-back program, offering to recycle old computers for US customers when they buy a new Mac.

While it does not yet offer this service in its other global markets, in the US the company has begun offering a service in which the online and high-street Apple retail stores will recycle old PCs for new Mac buyers, regardless of the manufacturer.

Customers who use the scheme are sent an email with instructions and a label for free shipping and recycling. They just need to pack their kit up and attach the label provided. All equipment received by the program is recycled within the US, the company claims. No hazardous material is shipped overseas.

Apple also claimed its recycling programs have processed more than 21 million pounds of electronics worldwide since 1994. It also subsidises an iPod recycling program across its US retail stores, providing environmentally friendly disposal of any unwanted iPod and a 10 per cent discount on the purchase of a new iPod.

There's also a free drop-off recycling service for consumers who live close enough to its Cupertino HQ to drop kit off.

News source: Macworld UK

(1 reply) #1 roxics on 02 Jun 2006 - 00:21

So is there any discount toward a new mac if you recycle an old computer or is this just a good for the planet thing? Either way good to hear.

#1.1 Kenta on 02 Jun 2006 - 00:50

My exact thoughts.

#2 cpu121 on 02 Jun 2006 - 01:36

Is this simply an 'out of goodness of our heart' program or are Apple legally required to do this? I believe that in Britain when you purchase certain goods, the vender is obliged to collect your old appliance and get rid of it appropiately, even if they weren't the vender of the original appliance.

#3 daftperception on 02 Jun 2006 - 02:41

I wonder if they collect the gold from the chips or sell it to a company that does. Im probably not up to times I don't really know if there is even gold in computers anymore.

(1 reply) #4 Chmura on 02 Jun 2006 - 05:31

doesnt dell do the same thing?

#4.1 mosi on 05 Jun 2006 - 08:09

Quote - Chmura said @ #4

I don't think they would be able to keep up with the postage costs of people sending them back

#5 Wrezal on 02 Jun 2006 - 09:15

Yeah but it's better than us throwing an old dusty computer that has no use and can just about manage windows 3.1 into the tip!

It's better to be recycled than to just be left there on a tip to rot for about 10,000 years!

#6 HawkMan on 02 Jun 2006 - 10:04

most companies who sell full computers do this.

in addition in nroway at leats every store that sells eletric/electronic equipment are by law required to accept any old equipment delivered to them for recycling, and send it on for proper recylcing/destruction. this is wether they sold it or not.

#7 McG on 02 Jun 2006 - 10:08

So many computer components are thrown away all the time. I think recycling it is a great idea.

#8 Bennifer on 02 Jun 2006 - 10:54

It would be good if they were stripped of the components and rebuilt into linux machines to be given to charities and send abroad to countries that are less well off than the ones apple sell to

#9 OceanMotion on 02 Jun 2006 - 10:58

Yea, that would a very good idea.

#10 j0j081 on 02 Jun 2006 - 11:23

I think they just sell off the parts the Steve Jobs.

#11 freeeekyyy on 02 Jun 2006 - 21:27

"No hazardous material is shipped overseas."

Now if only they'd do the manufacturing of new Macs here.

#12 koppit on 03 Jun 2006 - 20:49

yeah either strip the components and build cheap computers or give them to schools, charities, sell them really cheaply .. do something with them if they work!@

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