Apple could learn a lesson from Dell’s recycling program
Posted by Dennis Sellers 
Dec 28, 2006 at 3:04am
Unlike the folks at Greenpeace, I don’t consider Apple and CEO Steve Jobs the Great Satan (see our Dec. 15 article). However, it does seem as if Dell is one-up on the company when it comes to recycling—and we can’t have that.
Under its new global recycling policy, Dell provides recycling of any Dell-branded product, regardless of whether a replacement product is bought. Dell began setting goals for this program in 2004 and has a goal of recovering about 275 million pounds of used products from customers by the end of 2009, according to the Austin Business Journal. The company has set a timetable in June to provide recycling.
Meanwhile, here’s Apple some details on Apple’s recycling programs (as noted at Apple’s Environmental web site):
° For customers in the United States, Apple offers a free recycling program of old computers and monitors with the purchase of a new Mac.
° A free iPod recycling program, conducted through Apple’s retail stores, offers environmentally friendly disposal and a 10 percent discount on the purchase of a new iPod.
° A trade-in program for educational and business customers in the United States has already diverted more than 60 tons of electronic waste from landfills since August 2005.
° Apple’s recycling partnership with the city of Cupertino, California has recycled more than 155 tons of electronics. All electronics products are accepted free of charge, regardless of manufacturer.
° The company also participates in recycling programs in Asia, including national programs in Japan and Taiwan.
All these are great initiatives. However, Dell provides recycling of any Dell-branded product, regardless of whether a replacement product is bought. Apple only recycles old computers and monitors with the purchase of a new Mac. Doubtless, should Apple go Dell’s route it would take an investment of time and money. But I’d love to see our favorite computer maker take the plunge; it’s certainly got the resources to do it.
A company with a name like Apple should have the very best in recycling programs. And, besides, it’s the right thing to do.
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Dennis Sellers
Dennis has been a newspaper editor/reporter (seven years) and teacher (seven years). He has over 10,000 magazine, newspaper and online articles to his credit. He has also covered the Mac and tech industries for over a decade for such online publications as MacCentral, MacMinute and now MacsimumNews.
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