The company’s electronics recycling program is one of the most extensive offered by any retail outlet in the U.S.
Best Buy is a well-known one-stop shop for all things electronic, including flat-screen televisions, MP3 players, game systems and more.
With all of that e-waste going out into the world, the company decided to launch a recycling program in all of its U.S. (including Puerto Rico) stores on February 15, 2009. Since this program’s official start, more than 25 million pounds of in-store take backs (ISTBs) have been returned to the company’s 1,044 locations.
Best Buy’s e-cycle program accepts almost any type of electronic, including inkjet cartridges, rechargeable batteries, gift cards, televisions, DVD players, computer monitors, audio and video cables, cell phones and other devices.
It doesn’t even matter if you purchased the product from Best Buy — the company just wants to be proactive in sparing landfills from unnecessary e-waste. Better still, if the company doesn’t accept an item, it will help you find a place for you to recycle it. How’s that for environmental responsibility?
The most convenient aspects of this program are that there are only a few exceptions that charge a fee, and your television and other old appliances can be hauled away for free when you purchase a replacement product. Best Buy charges a $10 fee for televisions measuring 32’’ and under, cathode ray tubes (CRTs) and some additional monitors, but a $10 in-store gift card offsets this charge.
For more specific recycling exceptions, limitations and fees pertinent to your state, view program details via this handy drop-down menu.
As more computers, phones, MP3 players and other electronics continue to evolve, more e-junk is created, but it’s comforting to know that even the laziest consumer can recycle or trade in his or her old, unwanted goods with an environmentally responsible electronics company.
Maxie Coale
January 31st, 2011
I hope more big names become more proactive with recycling programs to encourage consumers to particpate in helping reduce waste in landfills. To read more, go to http://greenenergyinsiders.com/?p=981
Amy
February 2nd, 2011
I think it’s great that companies like Best Buy want to make an effort to recycle electronics. As long as they don’t end up in landfills!
Does anyone know if Best Buy deals with the e-waste itself? Or do they send it to another recycler to process?
Colette
February 8th, 2011
This is awesome that they want to be more eco friendly. Maybe some companies should not only start to sell ecofriendly products but help in disposing of waste.
Maxie Coale
February 18th, 2011
Hey Amy, to answer your question, Best Buy has recycling partners they provide guidelines to, to ensure that waste management is properly done: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/null/null/pcmcat174700050010.c?id=pcmcat174700050010
This way, I can sleep at night knowing that Best Buy is making sure that their partners are treating my old laptop the way it should be.
Thory Monsen
March 1st, 2011
All of big name store recycling programs use third party vendors to recycle the electronics. Often times they use different vendors depending on the item and how it should be processed. E-waste with re-sale value is usually sent to an asset specialist, while hard drives and other media containing data may go to a vendor who specializes in data destruction such as hard drive shredding. Older electronics are usually processed for their metal value. This should be done carefully so that any hazardous wastes are handled properly.
-Thory Monsen
Recycling Consultant
Potomac Metals Inc
Paul
June 14th, 2011
I think Best Buy made a great move by creating e-waste drop-off locations out of their entire chain of retail outlets. Not only is the company being eco-frendly, but I’m sure they’re also profiting from the division. I would imagine that they play the role of a collector while outsourcing the recycling and resale aspect of the business to 3rd party companies so they can continue focusing on their core business. It seems to be a win win for everyone. Great PR and profits for Best Buy by providing the general population with a nearby drop-off location and small businesses who get the opportunity to contract with the retail giant!