By Veena Clay January 9, 2015
More and more Americans are becoming aware that e-waste is a huge issue — not just here in the U.S., but also around the globe. It makes sense: The proliferation of electronic devices over the last decade has been like a torrential downpour with new devices engaging the market at a rapid clip. It follows that all these devices will need a place to go when it comes time for discarding, and there are a number of good reasons why that place should not be the nearest dumpster.
The problem with e-waste collection
The problem with e-waste collection is that electronic waste can be extremely dangerous when left uncollected and improperly disposed. Even though we all employ electronics for handling simple daily tasks, few of us are aware of the hazardous nature of their contents.
For instance, often of the main ingredient of electronic devices, the PVC plastic that forms the structure of almost everything electronic, from computers to stereos, contains toxic substances that, when allowed to deteriorate in landfills, can poison groundwater, endanger wildlife and swallow up much-needed space for the rest of our trash.
This means that unless electronic waste is properly collected and disposed, these devices pose a direct threat to the sustainability of our planet and the health of our communities.
Retailers step in to promote e-cycling
Fortunately, a handful of retail companies have taken the initiative to assist with e-waste collection, recognizing the implications of skyrocketing e-waste statistics. These companies act as recycling middlemen, so to speak, connecting consumers with responsible recycling centers where electronics can be properly and legally discarded.
One of the best things about e-waste collection through retailers is the added convenience. Consumers have the option of taking an electronic device to any branch, whether purchased from that particular retailer or not (in most cases), so that it can later be recycled according to certified methods.
What follows is a nonexhuastive list of the major players in this helpful nationwide effort:
1. Best Buy
Perhaps the most well-known retail e-waste collector is Best Buy. Its e-cycling program has been in existence for a number of years and thrives on building consumer awareness.
In fact, Best Buy is the leading large appliance retail recycler in the country, and last year reached its goal of recycling 1 billion pounds of electronics. Consumers can bring handheld devices to drop into designated recycling bins inside stores or have large appliances hauled away for recycling with the purchase of an appliance totaling $399 or more. Collection is not limited to particular brands and there is no requirement that the device be a Best Buy purchase.
Also available is a trade-in program that allows consumers to bring in used electronics for trade-in on a new device. The collection program is currently for residents only and free of charge for consumers.
Best Buy currently works only with recyclers capable of recycling electronic devices sustainably and responsibly. The company’s current recycler is one of the largest electronics recyclers in the country.
2. Staples
Similar to Best Buy, Staples also does plenty of e-waste collection through its recycling efforts. Staples’ focus, at the moment, is to encourage consumers to “green” their offices by bringing in wireless routers, computers and other office equipment for recycling.
The company also promotes toner and inkjet recycling and reuse, as well as a trade-in program that offers store credit through “eCash” cards in exchange for used electronic devices that can be sent for recycling or refurbishment.
Staples, however, does limit the types of electronics accepted for recycling through its stores. Currently, the company does not collect televisions, floor-model copiers and printers, appliances, large servers, large speakers or speaker systems, alkaline or lithium batteries or lamps and bulbs. Like Best Buy, Staples has partnered with a certified, responsible recycler for the continued success of its program.
3. Dell
Dell recently won the highest marks, a grade of “B” from the Electronics Takeback Coalition, for its extensive recycling program (no companies were awarded “A’s”). The company has also signed an agreement with the EPA to improve electronics recycling among both producers and consumers.
Dell’s recycling program consists of a number of features, including the Asset Resale and Recycling Service, which allows businesses to recycle computer equipment. Through the service, businesses can receive on- or off-site data swiping and can even have the collected electronic office equipment refurbished for resale.
Additionally, Dell’s Reconnect program has teamed up with more than 2,000 Goodwill locations across the nation to serve as collection points for consumers’ unwanted computers and other electronics. This program is designed to promote responsible recycling as well as create jobs through the Goodwill organization.
Dell is also well known for its e-cycling efforts worldwide and has established a number of recycling centers in more than 40 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
4. Samsung
According to its website, Samsung has collected more than 406 billion pounds of electronics through its Samsung Recycling Direct program. The program consists of a network of fixed drop-off locations where consumers and businesses alike may return their end-of-life electronics for responsible recycling.
Like the companies above, Samsung emphasizes its coordinated efforts with recyclers that are responsible. Specifically, this means no landfill dumping and no shipping to undeveloped countries.
The company also boasts a free mobile phone takeback program that allows consumers to return used Samsung cell phones for recycling at no cost.
5. Sprint
As one of the nation’s largest mobile phone retailers, Sprint has set the ambitious goal for a 90% collection rate, or nine phones for every 10 phones sold, by the year 2017. Last year, the company nearly reached a halfway mark at 46.6%.
Two main recycling collection programs drive current efforts at Sprint: The Buyback Program and the Sprint Connect Program. Through the Sprint Buyback Program, businesses and consumers are offered up to $300 for mobile phone trade-ins. Similarly, the Sprint Connect Program offer trade-ins, but directs proceeds to charities empowering youth in the tech industry.
Through both programs, Sprint either refurbishes collected devices and places them back on the market or sends the phones for disassembly and recycling.
Retailers play an important role in e-waste collection
The simple truth is that without the assistance of retailers, the U.S. would be hard pressed to collect as much electronic waste as it does now. When retailers create buzz about recycling and make it convenient for consumers and businesses to join in, everyone benefits. Even better is the retailers’ increased reliance upon responsible recyclers that will not downplay the duty to provide safe and socially responsible recycling services.
To find out more about retailers offering e-waste collection services, visit the EPA website.