Best Buy to recycle electronics for free

If you live near one of 117 Best Buy stores and are desperately in need of unloading your rusty, broken-down gadgets, you're in luck.

Beginning Sunday, Best Buy began allowing customers to bring two items per household per day into some stores in Baltimore, San Francisco, and Minnesota for free. But if you're looking to unload that mammoth front-projection TV--not so fast, there are some restrictions.

Unclutter your life--for free--courtesy of Best Buy.

(Credit: Erica Ogg/CNET Networks)

Best Buy says they will take computers, phones, cameras, PC peripherals, and more, but only TVs and monitors smaller than 32 inches diagonal. TVs larger than that, as well as air conditioners, microwaves, and large household appliances, aren't eligible.

Cost is often an issue for recycling programs. Almost all states have electronic waste recycling laws, and most of them put the cost burden on the manufacturer or retailer that actually does the recycling. That's why though other electronics retailers have programs to take back undesired electronics and PCs, there's often a fee for their trouble.

[thedreaming]

That's actually rather nice of them. I'm sure they are making money off this somehow. Maybe they are stripping the precious metals from the circuit boards pocketing the profit from their sale? Just a thought...

[Astinsan]

They are using the post offices new recycling service to bring in customers. http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2008/pr08_028.htm

I think they are using it as an excuse to get more business. A good business will try anything to get you in the store. I think they need to give the person who payed enough attention to the news from post office a raise. Bravo.

I am not saying shame on bes buy. I know that big box stores (large chains of stores) all ready do the right thing for the environment (In WA State they force all companies to recycle. Which is the way it should be) and for the safety of their staff (chemical / HASMAT). The large company I work for recycles card board and gives the proceeds to the employee in need or for employee events.

[j_d_johnston]

Yes, now instead of getting the GeekSquad to install a NEW modem or upgrade memory in your computer for a ludicrous amount of money, you get a recycled/refurbished one without a warranty for the same price. But just think, you're saving the environment a couple pieces of silicon at a time.

[jag0]

...or you can go about this way: https://www.bestbuytradein.com/bb/ and possibly get some BB gift cards for your old stuff.

[stlwest]

Yes they should do this since people don't abide by the laws in place and computers end up in the trash or dumpsters all the time. And there are companies that do recycle and yes make a little money off of what they call electronic scrap. Kind of like Jiffy lube taking your used oil, it just kind of makes sense, and if you make it easy enough you'll get people to make the trip to Best Buy. I think it is really smart for Best Buy to do this for the while I'm here I might as well......factor.

[artodrcsdca]

Just called Best Buy Mission Valley San Diego 12 noon PST. They say they do this a couple times a year... but they aren't taking anything like this today. Bummer

[Heebee Jeebies]

That is very nice of them. They are quite convenient for me. I wish they would take the other things. Maybe charge a modest fee for the other items.

My only wish is that these recycled items when in working condition should be given to the less fortunate in third world countries (where appropriate, they have to access to the services that some of the items need to work, but not everything is like that.) While we buy and toss American's may not see a use for a 2 year old iPod someone in Africa or some other less fortunately and wasteful countries could. But, instead most of this stuff will end up in landfills in Cambodia or Tim-buck-two. Shame.

Robert

[letsgethightech]

It's About Time That They Start Taking Back Their Junk!