The EPA is estimating that consumers will retire two million tons of e-waste in 2007.
To that end, Best Buy is promoting corporate responsibility by announcing a new program to encourage this effort-- and involving the community. And there's a substantial payback, which could put those springtime bake sales to shame.
But first, what recycling programs does Best Buy have in place at the moment? Some we knew about, some we didn't:
- Free recycling drop-off kiosks - these kiosks, just inside the door of every U.S. Best Buy store, collected more than 90,000 pounds in 2006 of old cell phones, rechargeable batteries, and ink-jet cartridges. Consumers can drop off the items at these kiosks for free.
- Recycling events - Best Buy will again host and/or sponsor weekend recycling events in its store parking lots across the U.S. Since 2001, these events have collected more than 5 million pounds of e-waste. In 2006, Best Buy sponsored or hosted 40 recycling events, collecting more than 1.8 million pounds of e-waste from consumers. This year Best Buy will hold events in Florida, Minnesota. Washington State, California, Massachusetts and several other states.
- Services and haul-away programs - Through its services and customer haul away programs in 2006, Best Buy recycled more than 13 million pounds of e-waste. For a nominal fee, Best Buy will haul away and recycle consumer's televisions, monitors, and appliances when new purchases are delivered to their homes.
- Mail-in cell phone recycling - New cell phone customers receive free, postage-paid envelopes to mail old phones to ReCellular, a cell phone reuse/recycling partner of Best Buy.
The Best Buy grants program will expand their ability to reach out and retire your junk. There are two grant streams:
- Events hosted by 501©3 nonprofit organizations.
- Events hosted by other organizations in cities and townships across the country (e.g., cities, counties, public-private partnerships).
Grants will range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the size and scope of each organization's event program and the recycling need in the area. Special consideration will be given to those projects completed by Earth Day on April 22nd.
Say goodbye to the cupcakes, cookies, lemonade and sunburn. Hello community recycling event!
For more information, visit Best Buy (click here).
Readers, how does this grant program compare to your local bake sale?
