Staples Launches Nationwide IT Recycling

FRAMINGHAM, MASS. — Staples has begun accepting used PCs and accessories at all its stores in one of the CE industry's most comprehensive and practical recycling efforts.

Under the initiative, the office supply chain will take an unlimited number of computers, monitors, laptops, printers, faxes and all-in-ones for a recycling fee of $10 per large item, regardless of brand or where the equipment was purchased, while smaller computer peripherals, such as keyboards and mice, will be accepted for free. TVs and floor model copiers are not included in the program.

The company already provides in-store recycling for ink and toner cartridges, cellphones, PDAs and rechargeable batteries.

Staples said it is working with Amandi Services, a national electronics recycler, to handle the disposition of the equipment, following standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

"An estimated 133,000 computers are discarded every day in the U.S.," said Mark Buckley, Staples' environmental affairs VP. "We know that small businesses and consumers want to recycle their used office technology but are often frustrated by the lack of convenient options available. By making it easy to recycle, Staples helps customers take action in handling e-waste in an environmentally responsible way."

Under the program, customers can drop off old equipment at the customer service desk of any Staples store seven days a week during regular hours. The $10 recycling fee covers handling, transport, product disassembly and recycling, and Staples' Easy Tech IT service is on site in all stores to transfer data from an old computer to a new one for a fee.