PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Apple is to offer free in-store recycling for all of its products.
Previously, Apple’s recycling programme was limited to iPhone and iPod products only, with gift cards offered in exchange for old devices.
Now, all of the firm’s products, including Mac computers, Macbooks and iPads, will be eligible for exchange at no extra cost.
Products that are deemed to have little or no resale value will not earn in-store credit.
The announcement was made to coincide with Earth Day (April 22nd), which aims to generate interest and action regarding environment awareness.
"What the company wants to do is use all our innovation and all of our expertise to make the planet more secure and make the environment better," said Lisa Jackson, VP of environmental initiatives at Apple.
Apple was said by Greenpeace to be the "most innovative and most aggressive in pursuing its commitment to be 100 percent renewably powered", when compared to 18 other global companies in a recent report exploring the technology industry’s environmental efforts.
The company previously pledged in 2010 to achieve a recycling rate of 70 per cent of the total weight of its products sold, claiming to have since ‘consistently’ reached 85 per cent since.
Apple is also said to be looking to expand into the mobile payments market, according to Re/code, interviewing senior executives in the market as part of its preparation to enter the market occupied by firms such as Paypal.
