News
Apple announces iPod recycling program
Following months of pressure from environmental activists, Apple today announced a free iPod recycling program with an added incentive. The company said that beginning today, “customers can bring iPods they no longer want to any of Apple’s 100 retail stores in the US for free environmentally friendly disposal, and those who drop off an iPod, iPod mini or iPod photo will receive a 10 percent discount on the purchase of a new iPod that day.” Apple said that iPods received for recycling in the US are “processed domestically and no hazardous material is shipped overseas.”
The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition has been pressuring Apple since late last year to do more with its environmental practices, claiming that the company doesn’t do enough to ensure that its products are disposed of properly. The group focused largely on the iPod and its hard-to-replace battery. Protests were staged outside Apple’s headquarters in January and during this year’s Macworld Expo a few days later. The group also picketed at Apple’s annual shareholders meeting in April.
The Toxics Coalition described the iPod as “a time-bomb for our health and environment because of the toxic metals that will either go into incinerators or landfills.” Apple has acknowledged the device does contain “a small amount of lead,” which the company says it is working to phase out. “To call the iPod an environmental time bomb is just inexcusable,” Apple CEO Steve Jobs said at the shareholders meeting.
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21
Blue, would I be able to use my student discount on top of this? Or how about an apple employee discount? I’m interviewing with them tommorow for a job and I want to replace my 2G 10GB with either a blue mini or a 20GB.
Posted by minty on June 5, 2005 at 2:23 PM (PDT)
22
I have a 1G iPod that I’m looking to sell. I’m sure I’ll get far more than $30-45 for it by selling it online (eBay, etc) so why trade it in? Unless it’s completely broken, I don’t see this working in the best interest of the consumers.
Like Red5 said, it’s in Apple’s interest ONLY. It helps them with publicity and the treehuggers. If helps reduce the used iPod market forcing people to go to them for iPods since it’ll be harder to find cheaper used ones. And it guarantees that the person trading in the iPod buys a NEW iPod directly helping their bottom like.
No thanks. Even selling a broken iPod for parts will garner more than the trade-in. I would warm people against it.
Posted by FallN in New York, NY on June 6, 2005 at 9:02 AM (PDT)
23
“treehuggers” ?!?
I tell ya, all of you Archie Bunker knee-jerk parrots make me ashamed to be in your company, even if I’m a long-time Apple fanatic. Well, all I can say is Apple’s a company that’s made me a lot of money, and kept me entertained for years, and you newbies know what you can hug.
idiots.
Posted by mvague on June 6, 2005 at 12:54 PM (PDT)
24
I have a 20gb ipod mint condition, with accessories anyone interested?
Posted by iPodgummy on July 7, 2005 at 11:16 AM (PDT)
25
I’m buying broken, frozen or trashed iPods and iShuffles. All makes, all sizes, all models.
If you send me your snail mail address (US Residents Only), I’ll send you a bubble pack to mail the unusable iPod to me. After I diagnose how resuable some of the internal parts are, I’ll send you $$ cash.
It’s better to get some bucks back than throwing them in the trash.
Robert (robert.a.david atsign sbcglobal.net)
Located in Silicon Valley, California.
Posted by Robert on November 2, 2005 at 10:59 PM (PDT)
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