Best Buy Pilots Recycling Program
The program launched June 1, with stores in the Baltimore, San Francisco, and Minnesota markets. Customers can bring in up to two electronic devices per day, per household, for recycling at no charge.
Items that may be recycled include televisions and monitors up to 32 inches, computers, phones, cameras and other peripherals. Items that won't be accepted are televisions or monitors greater than 32 inches, console televisions, air conditioners, microwave ovens and appliances. Best Buy has a separate haul-away program for appliances, according to the Minneapolis-based company.
Best Buy said it will evaluate the success of the program and then determine whether it will be rolled out to other markets and stores.
The recycling program complements current offerings including recycling kiosks for printer ink cartridges, batteries, cell phones, CDs and DVDs; a haul-away program in which Best Buy will remove old appliances or TVs for free when a new product is purchased and delivered by Best Buy Home Delivery or Geek Squad; and a Tech Trade-In program in which electronics can be swapped for a Best Buy gift card.
"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," said Conrad MacKerron, director of corporate social responsibility for As You Sow, in a statement. As You Sow is an investor corporate accountability group that engaged with Best Buy on its electronics recycling programs.