Apple today announced the launch of its free computer take-back program, offering US customers environmentally friendly recycling of their old computer when they buy a new Mac. Beginning today, the Apple Store and Apple retail stores will give US customers the option of recycling their unwanted PCs, regardless of the manufacturer.
When a customer chooses to participate in the program, Apple will send an email with instructions and a label for free shipping and recycling. Customers simply package their recyclable equipment and attach the label provided. All equipment received by the program is recycled domestically and no hazardous material is shipped overseas.
Apple’s recycling programs have processed more than 21 million pounds of electronics worldwide since 1994. Apple continues to offer a free iPod® recycling program through its US retail stores, providing environmentally friendly disposal of any unwanted iPod and a 10 percent discount on the purchase of a new iPod. The company also operates a free drop-off recycling service at its headquarters in Cupertino for used computer systems and home electronics.
Apple’s free computer take-back program is offered to customers in the 48 contiguous United States.
More information on Apple’s recycling programs and industry-leading environmental policies is available online at http://www.apple.com/environment
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Related article:
Apple offers free computer take-back recycling program – April 21, 2006
… the switcher marketing campaign becomes “The Ditcher” marketing campaign. “Ditch your old PC right here for a new Mac.”
Only problem for a lot of Mac users is after they upgrade, they keep their old machines to use as print servers, remote access, etc. Even though they are not your primary machine, they still have many years of good service left. I hope you can get your certificate with no expiration date.
I want to recycle my 1 year new powerbook in exchange for a new macbook or macbook pro… but I don’t think they are goring to offer me that.
I say sell your very old PB, iMac, iBook or Mac to some dillweed pc user on the cheap and show them that they are using the wrong computer and operating system…. word of the day – show – as in let us Mac/OS X users SHOW the world a real computer / operating system.
We still use an original Macintosh for our Autokon machine – works perfectly!
Jim – Using Apple since 1984.
“Beginning today, the Apple Store and Apple retail stores will give US customers the option of recycling their unwanted PCs, regardless of the manufacturer.”
Does this mean Apple USA will recycle unwanted Dell and HP computers only if the user first buys a Mac, a mouse pad, or a gift certificate?
I consult for an organization that still has beige G3s in service. They have been used so much the keyboard space bar has a “dent”, a very noticable depression worn into it from probably millions of thumbstrokes over the years.
Nobody makes hardware like Apple!
This is great, ….hopefully this program will extend to Canada, UK and Japan.
“All equipment received by the program is recycled domestically and no hazardous material is shipped overseas.”
If that PC crap was made overseas, why give it a decent burial on US soil? Send it back to Iraq or China for cryin’ out loud.
As an added incentive for current Mac users, how about a rebate/discount scheme for those upgrading from their current machine? (They could call it “New Mac. Cash Back.”)
It wouldn’t have to be hundreds of bucks to encourage a lot of folks to “trade up” to the new Macintels.
Or, if you don’t like rebates, how about an Apple Store discount on a new Mac? Didn’t Apple offer a similar plan on iPods a while back?
The question from Being Green
Does this mean Apple USA will recycle unwanted Dell and HP computers only if the user first buys a Mac, a mouse pad, or a gift certificate?
was answered in the quote from the article.
recycling of their old computer when they buy a new Mac
Apple is NOT offering to recycle any computer ever built for free. They are folding the cost of recycling into the price of a new Mac – not a mouse pad, gift certificate, or even a top of the line iPod.
You wonder why Macs cost more than your typical PC with seemingly similar specs?
a) Apple charges for ‘good deeds’ and parts built to finer tolerances
b) Dell sells disk space so Google and the like can install ‘demo-ware’ and pop-ups
Random Guy said:
As an added incentive for current Mac users, how about a rebate/discount scheme for those upgrading from their current machine?
webmasters apprentice offered a better answer:
Only problem for a lot of Mac users is after they upgrade, they keep their old machines to use as print servers, remote access, etc. Even though they are not your primary machine, they still have many years of good service left.
As did Gil:
I say sell your old Mac to some pc user and show them that they are using the wrong computer and operating system. Let us Mac/OS X users SHOW the world a real computer/operating system.
(edited for precision)
How is having your old-but-working Mac crunched going to help anything? You use your old Mac as a <u>server</u> or <u>back-up system</u> and you get added value out of your new system – the work it doesn’t have to bother with. Give it, or sell it at a steep discount, to a non-Mac-user and where do you think they’ll go looking for a new system when your system gets too old/slow for them? The Apple store!
Example: I gave my mother an old Mac and she eventually came back and said “buy me an Apple laptop, I’ll pay” (my sister would have sprung for a Gateway)
Example: I gave my son my QuickSilver when I bought my DP G5. He gave his B&W G3 to his SO. She saw a chance to get a Graphite about 6 months later and jumped at it – don’t recall what she did with her Dell.
Somehow I feel that these will not be recycled but REFIRBISHED and sold on Small Dog. I will take care of my own old Mac horse… with a shotgun funeral. Thanks anyway, Apple.
Or better yet, how about a program to trade in your Mac for a set of Jenna Jaimeson DVDs? They could call it Mac-o Wacko.
I am an idiot.
If you happen to have some computer equipment that needs recycling (old laser printer, CRT, etc….), check with your local city waste disposal as well, my local city provides this service.
I’m always a little suspicious of anyone who is too earger to “take it off my hands.” Give us your computer! We won’t even charge you!
Hey, my post was deleted.