2004-08-06 09:55![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
stormiestl
stormiestlBy Michelle Kessler, USA TODAY
Consumers can take old computers and other electronics to Office Depot (ODP) stores for free recycling this summer, the retailer and its partner Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) are expected to announce Tuesday.
H-P already offers PC recycling via mail. But it charges about $35 for shipping and processing. Most of its rivals charge as well. That's why the free offer is "fabulous," says Kate Krebs of the non-profit National Recycling Coalition.
The offer includes all brands, not just those made by H-P. From Sunday to Sept. 6, Office Depot will accept computers, monitors and most other peripherals, digital cameras, copiers, fax machines, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and TVs 27 inches or smaller. Customers can recycle one product per day. A PC and its peripherals count as a single item.
H-P and Office Depot won't say how much their program will cost, or how they're splitting the bill.
The program comes as computer and electronics makers are increasingly pressured to recycle. Most electronics contain lead, mercury or other substances that can be harmful if dumped in landfills. Recycling solves that problem. But it's costly: about $20 per PC.
The high cost has led H-P and its rivals to resist many recycling initiatives, says Mark Murray of Californians Against Waste, an environmental group.
But electronics makers may soon have no choice. California and Maine recently passed laws requiring manufacturers to take some responsibility for recycling. Other states are considering measures. "They see the writing on the wall," says Sheila Davis, a director with the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition.
Dell this month expanded its recycling program. Best Buy, Staples and other retailers also have hosted recycling events. But many environmentalists say electronics firms haven't done enough. Less than 10% of electronics are recycled, Davis says. "We're seeing a very minuscule number of devices," Murray says.
"Clearly, (environmental groups) want us and everyone else to do more," says H-P Vice President Walt Rosenberg. "But we've been really working (on the problem)."
Rosenberg says the Office Depot program could be extended if it is successful.
Consumers can take old computers and other electronics to Office Depot (ODP) stores for free recycling this summer, the retailer and its partner Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) are expected to announce Tuesday.
H-P already offers PC recycling via mail. But it charges about $35 for shipping and processing. Most of its rivals charge as well. That's why the free offer is "fabulous," says Kate Krebs of the non-profit National Recycling Coalition.
The offer includes all brands, not just those made by H-P. From Sunday to Sept. 6, Office Depot will accept computers, monitors and most other peripherals, digital cameras, copiers, fax machines, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and TVs 27 inches or smaller. Customers can recycle one product per day. A PC and its peripherals count as a single item.
H-P and Office Depot won't say how much their program will cost, or how they're splitting the bill.
The program comes as computer and electronics makers are increasingly pressured to recycle. Most electronics contain lead, mercury or other substances that can be harmful if dumped in landfills. Recycling solves that problem. But it's costly: about $20 per PC.
The high cost has led H-P and its rivals to resist many recycling initiatives, says Mark Murray of Californians Against Waste, an environmental group.
But electronics makers may soon have no choice. California and Maine recently passed laws requiring manufacturers to take some responsibility for recycling. Other states are considering measures. "They see the writing on the wall," says Sheila Davis, a director with the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition.
Dell this month expanded its recycling program. Best Buy, Staples and other retailers also have hosted recycling events. But many environmentalists say electronics firms haven't done enough. Less than 10% of electronics are recycled, Davis says. "We're seeing a very minuscule number of devices," Murray says.
"Clearly, (environmental groups) want us and everyone else to do more," says H-P Vice President Walt Rosenberg. "But we've been really working (on the problem)."
Rosenberg says the Office Depot program could be extended if it is successful.
