It's nice to know that companies care enough about saving our Earth. Think about it: how many people do you know (including yourself) that have old computers, cell phones, PDAs, etc. collecting dirt in their basements or attics, with no way to recycle them?
In conjunction with Earth Day (April 22nd), several companies are partaking in recycling programs. Cingular Wireless is asking consumers to donate old cell phones, phone equipment, and batteries at four Cingular Wireless locations this weekend only, April 21, 22 and 23 during business hours:
- Seattle - Northgate Mall
- Spokane - Spokane Valley Mall
- Tri-Cities - Richland, Winco Plaza
- Oregon City - 1900 McLoughlin Blvd.
As an incentive, (as if we need one), anyone donating old equipment will receive 15% off of any one Cingular accessory item at the time of the donation. Here's more info on Cingular's involvement with recycling.
On May 1st, Circuit City and the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) are letting you drop off your used rechargeable batteries (from cell phones, laptops, PDAs, and digital cameras) and old cell phones in RBRC collection boxes located in all Circuit City stores nationwide. To find a store near you, click here. And here's more info on Circuit City's recycling program.
Apple is offering free computer recycling with the purchase of a new Macintosh system beginning in June. If you buy a new Mac at the Apple Store or retail stores, then you'll receive free shipping and friendly disposal of your old computer. How cool is that? (I just wish they'd get rid of old Macs for us period, instead of having to buy one). However, since 2001, Apple has been recycling old Macs, so I have to give them credit for that one. PCMag.com reports on Apple's improved recycling program here.
Do you know of any electronics-recycling programs going on? Let us know by commenting. And Happy Earth Day!
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April 21, 2006 2:57 PM
I'm not sure if it is a corporate wide program, but our local Staples store in Marysville WA has a huge box just inside the door where you can recycle any computer system including CRT Monitors for FREE. They limit you to one system at a time, but you could probably have your kids, mother-in-law, etc take a system in.
April 21, 2006 3:11 PM
Thanks, Michael for this great info! I never knew that Staples let you do that! That's very cool of them. To answer your question, it seems that Staples does a nationwide program for recycling, but I didn't see anything on computers or monitors. Next time I'm in my local store, I'll have to ask them. According to Staples.com, the company works with CollectiveGood to provide in-store recycling programs for cell phones, PDAs and pagers. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Sierra Club for environmental and conservation programs. Staples also recycles rechargeable batteries, inkjet and toner cartridges (Staples donates $1.00 for every eligible cartridge recycled in its stores with a goal of raising $5 million for public education), and paper. For more info: http://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/programs/recycle/commitment.html
April 21, 2006 3:52 PM
Verizon has been recycling cell phones since 2001 as part of its fight domestic violence program. You can find more information here: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/aboutUs/communityservice/hopeLineRecycling.jsp
April 21, 2006 4:13 PM
I just wish with all the Cell phone companies out there, and their frequent requirement of always having to "Upgrade" cellphones after their usual 1 or 2 year periof of time, that there was a recycling program that PAID us for these phones or other electronics, because of the upgrading problem...There has to be some incentive for us folks who have older electronics and cellphones like some kind of reward like plastics and can recycling!!!! PAY US FOR THEM!!!!! They're do something worthwhile with these old items and probably re-sell them once they fix them up somehow!! Why shouldn't we get some sort of incentive for them too?????????? Gregg De Santis Lake Isabella, CA.
April 21, 2006 5:07 PM
Thanks for the Verizon Recycling link, Brenda! That's also very helpful. Wouldn't it be great if we could create this huge list of ways to recycle!? Then maybe we'd all do it! Gregg, there is a way to recycle phones AND get paid for it. It's called CellforCash.com. I've sent them my phone before and was paid $30 for it. Check out the site. Depending on the model, you get paid accordingly. http://www.cellforcash.com/