Best Buy Extends Electronics and Appliance Recycling Program [Free Recycling Service For Eco Conscious Consumers]

Best Buy have just announced that they will be testing a new electronics recycling program in 117 of its stores in the US which, in serving to compliment Best Buy’s current recycling scheme, will ‘help consumers take environmentally-responsible action with their old electronics’.

Due to commence from 1st June, the new electronics recycling program will, according to Best Buy’s press release, allow consumers to drop off up to two electronics appliances per day at their stores based in the Baltimore, San Francisco, and Minnesota region such as televisions and monitors up to 32”, computers, phones, cameras, and other electronics devices which will consequently be recycled on their behalf for no charge – though televisions and monitor screens greater than 32”, console televisions, air conditioners and microwaves will not be accepted at this time.

The new scheme trail adds to Best Buy’s already operational eco-friendly recycling options that cover consumables such as ink cartridges, rechargeable batteries as well as cell phones, CDs, DVDs, and PDA/smart phones as well as a number of ‘haul-away’ deals the chain already has in place.

‘We salute Best Buy for taking the initiative to offer free electronics take back at a number of its stores,’ said Conrad MacKerron, director of corporate social responsibility, As You Sow (an investor corporate accountability group that engaged with Best Buy on its electronics recycling programs). ‘Making electronics recycling almost as easy as purchasing these goods has the potential to simplify recycling for millions of consumers who may be confused about where to return end-of-life goods in their area.’

We too salute Best Buy on their initiative as even one less 70’s era TV simply thrown aside on the side of a street is something to be truly celebrated – though, as far as unwanted cell phones are concerned, if the University of Warwick’s Warwick Manufacturing Group working in co-operation with PVAXX Research have their way you’ll soon just be able to bury your old handset which will subsequently grow a flower of your choosing.

Best Buy [via press release]