Apple Offers Free Recycling With Mac Purchases

Apple Computer will take-back and recycle products free with the purchase of a new Macintosh system from an Apple Store. The plan, announced late last week, will begin in June. It comes after the Sierra Club and its investment advisor Forward Management named Apple one of the top 10 environmentally progressive companies.

Apple boasts of recycling more than 90 percent of the electronic equipment it has collected since 2001. The company operates a free drop-off recycling station at its headquarters in Cupertino, Calif. Computer systems and home electronics are recycled domestically.

The fifth-generation iPod, iPod nano and iPod shuffle are completely compliant with upcoming restrictions of hazardous substances in California and Europe, according to Apple, which says it eliminated mercury, cadmium, chromium VI and brominated flame-retardants from the device years ago. iPod power adapters also meet California's strict appliance-efficiency regulations, scheduled to take effect July 1, 2008, the company said through a prepared statement.

Other computer companies, including HP and Dell also tout their recycling and reuse programs, which help cut down on waste.