Posted on by Joy Scrogum

Diigo Digest: Finding Electronic Recyclers, Part 2

NCERNote: This post was written by SEI staff member, Amy Cade.

Last July I posted an article called “All You Need to Know About Finding an Electronic Recycler.” For this article I researched recyclers, databases, magazines, and manufacturers to find the most comprehensive and responsible electronic collection agencies. I then whittled those down and only suggested a few that I thought gave an overall sense of the type of resources available. It wasn’t until last week that I found an article that did exactly this… only better!  The article is by NCER (National Center for Electronics Recycling.) It was intended for the State of West Virginia, so some of the suggestions are rather specific for West Virginia but others, like the manufacturing programs, are nationally run.  Here is what NCER says about specific manufacturer collection programs:

“Most major computer companies run their own national mailback programs.  Usually for a fee, but sometimes free, these companies will send you a pre-paid mailing label, or let you print the label using their website.  You then package your unwanted computer equipment and send them along, or arrange a pickup.

  • HP: Mail-back program with home/office pickup for $13-34 depending on the type and quantity of hardware to be returned. Any HP or non-HP brands of personal/office computer equipment or peripherals are accepted. This includes printers, scanners, fax machines, personal computers, desk-top servers, monitors, handheld devices, etc. – along with their associated external components such as cables, mice, keyboards, etc.  This program does not accept accept monitors with broken glass or other types of consumer electronic equipment such as VCRs, DVDs, televisions, etc.
  • IBM: The IBM PC Recycling Service allows consumers and businesses to recycle any manufacturer’s PCs, including system units, monitors, printers and optional attachments for $29.99 which includes shipping.
  • Intel: Intel offers a mail-back program for any Intel branded product sold to individual consumers, such as Intel boxed processors, Intel boxed motherboards and Intel brand network cards. Historical items such as Intel brand PC cameras, Intel brand PC microscopes, Intel brand keyboards, etc. are also appropriate for returning to Intel for proper recycling.  You are responsible for packaging and shipping the item/s to the appropriate address, and Intel will ensure returned products are properly recycled
    • For more information, see:

http://www.intel.com/intel/other/ehs/product_ecology/

  • Apple: Offers free computer take-back and recycling with the purchase of a new Mac. US customers who buy a new Mac through the Apple Store or Apple’s retail stores will receive free shipping and environmentally friendly disposal of their old computer. To recycle a used computer or other electronic equipment without purchase, Apple customers in the U.S. and Canada see:
  • Dell: You will need to provide your own box and packing material. Dell offers free PC recycling at any time for Dell-brand products. Dell also offers free recycling when purchasing a new Dell product. Dell offers a mail-back program for any brand PC and related equipment for $10 per box (i.e. one PC per box, one monitor per box).
  • Canon: Canon offers a mail-back program that accepts CANON brand of consumer binoculars, camcorders, cameras (digital & film), fax machines, ImageCLASS products, PC copiers, printers, projectors or other video equipment, or scanners.  Pricing is based on the product category::
    • $6, plus applicable sales tax – Binoculars, Camcorders, Cameras, Compact Photo Printers, Film Scanners and Video Equipment
    • $12, plus applicable sales tax – Flatbed Scanners (CanoScan) and Bubble Jet Products: printers, multifunction all-in-ones, and fax machines
    • $36, plus applicable sales tax – ImageCLASS Products, Laser Fax Machines and PC Copiers
    • For more information, call 1-800-385-2155 and tell the representative that you would like to participate in the Canon Consumer Product Recycling Program or go to: http://estore.usa.canon.com/recycle/recycle.asp
  • Epson: Epson offers a mail-back program that accepts EPSON printer, scanner, digital camera, laptop, computer or projector.  The fee for this service is only $10 per item which includes shipping and recycling costs. Users of the service also receive a $5 coupon per item returned, for use at the Epson Store.
  • Gateway: Gateway offers a trade-in program and a recycling program available to customers who have made a recent Gateway purchase. In order to verify your eligibility, you will need to provide a valid serial number and proof of purchase of your new Gateway or eMachines product.  The cost of the recycling program is determined by entering its weight at the site below.

Click here to view the complete NCER arcticle.

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