Apple expands recycling program

Apple Computer will now accept old computers--Macs or PCs--for recycling from anyone who purchases a new Mac from one of the company's retail stores or via its Web site.

The company previously maintained a recycling drop-off in its Cupertino, Calif., headquarters, where people could leave their old computer equipment.

Computer recycling has become a hot topic within the tech industry as the amount of electronic waste continues to grow and damage the environment.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has been criticized at shareholder meetings for the company's environmental record.

As part of the new program, which began Wednesday, Mac purchasers will receive an e-mail with instructions and a label for free shipping and recycling. The old computers will be recycled within the United States, Apple said, and no hazardous materials will be shipped overseas.

The company already has an iPod recycling program that offers a 10 percent discount on the purchase of a new iPod digital audio player.

Dell offers a similar free-recycling option for PC purchasers, as well as a general recycling program that charges $10 to $20 per machine, depending on weight. Hewlett-Packard has a list of electronic equipment that can be turned in for recycling in the U.S., often in exchange for a discount on the purchase of a new HP product.

[shadowself]

A new aspect, but not really new

Apple has had a recycling program for PCs for some time. They accepted old PCs (all types) for recycling at all their Apple stores when you bought a new Mac. This just expands it beyond the Apple stores themselves. The only difference is you can ship the old boxes rather than having to physically take them to the Apple stores yourself.

[lingsun]

Other companies did this first but Apple will claim they invented it.

Other companies did this first but Apple will claim they invented it. Same old story. Just like how they stole the GUI from Xerox but then whine that Microsoft stole it from them!

[lingsun]

It doesn't matter what Apple computer does

It doesn't matter what Apple Computer does. They have 3% market share and they're irrelevent. They're like the French--they think they still control their respective worlds.

[lingsun]

Why aren't Apple's exploding laptops a story?

Apple's iBooks catch fire. Where's the story? Is it because CNET is pro-Apple because Apple is a liberal company and CNET is liberal too?

[MaurizioMaranghi]

Unlike the other 4 comments about this story, I will keep this positive and light. I am just happy that a huge corporation like Apple is getting in on this recycling boat. Believe it or not, they are very influential. A lot of 9 year olds have ipods these days. Apple does reach them via iTunes, etc. They do have their ear, and I feel it is their duty to spread the green message of recycling, since their products are part of the problem. I understand their need to stay competitive in the technology and innovation race, but they come out with new products all the times. Slow down....children in India are playing in piles of our e-waste, not parks! Sad, but true!

- Maurizio Maranghi -

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle