Los Angeles USPS Heads Sexy Pilot Program For Recycling Electronics
Could recycling ever become a day at the beach?
The United States Postal Service last month began a pilot program for USPS customers to recycle their small small electronics and inkjet cartridges by mailing them free of charge.
Los Angeles is on the short list of cities participating in the program called "Mail Back." Designed to help consumers make more environmentally friendly choices, the mail back program includes free envelopes inside Post Offices to mail back inkjet cartridges, PDAs, Blackberries, digital cameras, iPods and MP3 players, free of charge with no postage due.
Clover Technologies Group is paying for the postage, and re-manufacturing the products, including refurbishing, reselling or breaking them down further for recycling. It all depends on the type of part, quality and age.
In addition to Los Angeles, the program is set for Washington, D.C., Chicago and San Diego. More cities to follow in the fall of 2008 if success is met.
Could this be a big break for the American consumer wanting to recycle but finds it too difficult? Will the infamous USPS, known for its award-winning customer service, be diligent in stocking the supply cabinets inside each and every store? Sometimes we can't even find envelopes for Express Mail. Well, we'll all soon find out.
What do you think of this program? Would you drop by your local post office to mail ink jet cartridges?
Source: Shredstation, USPS
Santa Monica Beach Image: Faris on Flickr
I am leaving my office for a late lunch and will check out my local post office for an envelope. This idea is cool!
Posted by: Designer Danny | May 02, 2008 at 01:17 PM
I usually stop by the post office once a month or so. I think I'd keep those things in my car for when I made the trip. I think it's a great idea!
~Eva
Posted by: Eva Wallace | May 02, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Great post! Very excited about this program. Many people want to recycle, but aren't sure where to go to do it. I'm wondering if they will ship out these boxes, or be able to request them from the mailman like stamps or a delivery. Great stuff! Hope they are successful and come to the Northwest! :)
Posted by: Brandie Kajino | May 02, 2008 at 01:58 PM
"What do you think of this program? Would you drop by your local post office to mail ink jet cartridges?"
I would certainly do it. It would be easy and free, what could be better?
I would also encourage my friends to recycle too.
Posted by: DW | May 02, 2008 at 04:06 PM
I've picked up some of those envelops from local post office and have been shipping ink cartridges and broken camera. It's great!
When you swing by the post office for other business, grab few to take home. It comes very handy and you don't have to go to post office every time you have an old ink cartridge.
Posted by: wakako takagi | June 01, 2008 at 11:43 AM