Celebrate Earth Day With Apple’s Recycling Program [Earth Day]

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AppleRecycles2
In 2005 Apple responded to mounting pressure from environmental activists by announcing a free recycling program for its iPod digital music players. Fast forward to 2010, five years later, and this wonderful program is still in existence and it isn’t just for iPods. I thought I should remind you about it, because I nearly forgot about it when my 80 Gb iPod started to act flakey last Fall after years of service.

The program is a win-win for customers, like myself, that are interested in recycling electronics (an effort to save the Earth), upgrading to a new iPod, iPhone, Mac, or iPad, and saving some money at the same time.

iPod Recycling

The program allows you to bring an iPod that you no longer want regardless of whether or not it is working to any Apple store in the U.S. for free environmentally friendly disposal. The person dropping off any model of iPod will receive a 10 percent discount on the purchase of a new iPod, excluding the iPod shuffle, but you can turn in a shuffle for a 10% discount on a Nano, etc.

All iPods collected for recycling will be processed domestically in the U.S. and no e-waste or hazardous material is shipped overseas.

Computer & Display Recycling

Apple offers several options for computer and display recycling. One program will recycle your non-Apple branded PC or display for $30 each. You simply order and pay the $30 for a shipping label, pack the items in your own box, and use the label to ship it to www.werecycle.com. They take care of the rest.

The other program is a better deal if you are looking to upgrade from your present computer (Mac or PC) to a brand-new Mac, iPod, iPhone, or iPad. It doesn’t even matter if the computer works or not. Apple accepts it for processing that involves making an assessment of its value. Once that value is determined you’ll receive an Apple Gift Card in the mail for that amount. You can use the Card at any Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store. In the event that your computer cannot be reused Apple will have it recycled at no cost to you.

Recycle Mac Batteries

Apple will recycle your old Mac batteries at no cost to you — just bring them to any Apple retail location and Apple will take care of the rest.

Learn More About Recycling At Apple

More information about Apple’s worldwide recycling programs is available at Apple’s environmental website, a FAQ on this page, and Apple claims to be a responsible recycler a definite plus.

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