Best Buy Co., Inc., a leading retailer of consumer electronics, has set a target to collect 1 billion pounds of old or obsolete electronics and appliances for recycling. Starting April 22, the company is asking consumers nationwide to pledge online to “Recycle It On,” encouraging increased use of its comprehensive, convenient recycling and trade-in programs.
Significant Recycling Goal
The 1 billion pound goal is a significant increase over current levels and is intended to help increase responsible consumer action and capture a greater share of the current electronics waste stream. Best Buy recycling programs collected 120 million pounds of electronic goods in 2009 from U.S. consumers, including 60 million pounds of electronics and 60 million pounds of appliances. The company anticipates meeting the new goal in several years.
Best Buy Encouraging "Sustainable Lives"
“We believe our employees have the power to help people around the world live more sustainable, digitally-connected lives,” said Paula Prahl, senior vice president, communications, public affairs, and corporate responsibility, Best Buy Co., Inc.
“As we help consumers make smart technology choices today, we have a responsibility to help them get rid of the old and obsolete devices. This 1 billion-pound target is designed to inspire our employees and to promote greater consumer action, both of which can significantly reduce the amount of electronics in the waste stream.”
Call to Action: Recycle It On
Starting Earth Day, April 22, consumers can take the pledge to recycle, and encourage others to do the same. The more than 1 million Facebook fans of Best Buy will be invited to take the Recycle It On pledge, an easy way to commit to recycling their own old electronics, with features to pass along to friends and encourage the same.
The application will feature a U.S. map, tracking the various types of items pledged state by state, as well as local store details to help users find their nearest Best Buy store to drop off items.
Recycling at Best Buy Locations
Consumers can bring up to three (3) items per day, per household, for recycling at any U.S. or Puerto Rico Best Buy store. Best Buy accepts most consumer electronics, with a few exceptions. A $10 recycling fee per unit will be charged for some items with screens; consumers will instantly receive a $10 Best Buy gift card in exchange for the recycling fee. (This fee does not apply in certain states, and does not apply for any Best Buy Exclusive-Branded products, such as Insignia, Dynex, and VPR Matrix.) Hard drives must be removed from computers prior to recycling.
In addition to the new nationwide recycling challenge, Best Buy offers a variety of programs to help consumers recycle, reuse, or trade in products – all of which are detailed at www.bestbuy.com/recycling:
Mary McCarthy - Mary T. McCarthy is the blogger at pajamasandcoffee.com and Editor of Chesapeake Family magazine.
