Free PC Recycling

[jeffrey]

Consumers can take old computers and other electronics to Office Depot stores for free recycling this summer, the retailer and its partner Hewlett-Packard are expected to announce Tuesday. H-P already offers PC recycling via mail. But it charges about $35 for shipping and processing. Most of its rivals charge as well. That's why the free offer is "fabulous," says Kate Krebs of the non-profit National Recycling Coalition.

The offer includes all brands, not just those made by H-P. From Sunday to Sept. 6, Office Depot will accept computers, monitors and most other peripherals, digital cameras, copiers, fax machines, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and TVs 27 inches or smaller. Customers can recycle one product per day. A PC and its peripherals count as a single item.

The program comes as computer and electronics makers are increasingly pressured to recycle. Most electronics contain lead, mercury or other substances that can be harmful if dumped in landfills. Recycling solves that problem. But it's costly: about $20 per PC... [read more at usatoday.com]