Apple Expands Recycling Program

By Ed Oswald | Published May 31, 2006, 11:44 AM

Apple said Wednesday that it was expanding its computer take-back program by offering free recycling of old PCs when purchasing a new Mac. Starting today, the program would give its US customers the option of doing so regardless of the old PC's manufacturer.

The program is a fulfillment of a promise made by the company in April. Facing criticism by environmental activists, Apple struck back by announcing the program and saying it had been named a "Forward Green Leader" by the Sierra Club.

The club gives the title to the he top ten environmentally progressive companies. The computer maker has been operating the recycling program since 2001, and has recycled nearly 90 percent of the electronic equipment it has collected.

A customer would receive an e-mail with instructions and a printable label to package their old machine and send it to Apple. The Cupertino company said all material is recycled domestically, and no hazardous materials are sent overseas.

Those wishing to learn more about the program and Apple's environmental policies can visit the Apple Web site.

Comments

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Great! All companies should do this.

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Why is this even in the news? Dell been doing it years ago.

I guess anything Apple do now is consider headline.

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I've never heard of Dell recycling any old computer. Where's your source?

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When you buy a new Dell, you can pay $25 for them to take your old computer.

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I think the keyword here is free.

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Free?? If you actually read the terms, you'd see it was "free" only after you've purchased a "qualifying Apple computer or monitor". Only then will you be "eligible" to participate in the program. Then you need to pack up and ship your old computer (CPU and Monitor boxed separately) via FedEx (only), and each box must be less than 70 U.S. pounds.

Yeah, free....

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