Apple Computer Recycling Program

[ckinyc]

Try Freecycle

Let me introduce this forum to thr concept of Freecycle. I think they started this from the west coast. People sign up for their local Yahoo Freecycle group to post listings on things that they wish to have or things that they want to get rid of. They find each other and arrange for pick up etc. Everything MUST be free for all. Check out the NYC group here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/freecyclenewyorkcity/

 

[Leoff]

After a day of playing catch-up in here, I am surprised at the ignorance of some people concerning Apple's efforts.

There are a large number of posts from people complaining about Apple not repairing old computers, giving them to the poor, etc. I am seriously wondering what these people are thinking.

The type of person who gives their old computer to this program is not going to mail their original iMac, which works perfectly, to Apple when they upgrade their computer. Apple isn't expecting anyone to do that, either. Those types of computers of course are going to be sold on eBay, given to friends, family, Charity, schools, whatever. People aren't dense.

Apple is looking for OLD computers, the ones that nobody uses anymore, the ones that are so old that even schools and charities won't accept. The computers that are broken and that could be repaired, but it would cost more than the computer's worth to do so.

So what is the purpose of this program? Is it to help introduce the poor to the Mac computing experience? Is it to rake in millions from stupid people who just gave them a free computer? No, it's to RECYCLE, as the program's name says. It is an attempt to make sure that crap isn't being placed in a landfill.

This may be a shock to some of you, but people do throw out computers. Businesses throw out computers. Charities throw out computers. Even if in fine working order, they do eventually outgrow their usefulness and, like anything else that is replaced, it is disposed of somehow.

An example is here at my work. I work for a community college. We recently cleaned out a very old Mac lab, getting rid of a number of Macintosh IIgs's, ci's, and si's. The school first went through the neihboring counties, seeing if any charitable organizations or other schools wanted them. Nobody did. The search then went state-wide. Again, no takers. The computers were too old.

Finally they were offered for sale to the public in lots of 5 and 10 computers by type, and also sold individually, all at auction. Guess what? Big crowd, no takers. After no one would take them, the possibility of disposing of them in a "green" way was researched, but ultimately was too costly. They were tossed. Well over 80 computers just went in the garbage.

This kind of thing happens nation-wide every day. The poor and underpriviliged have access to cheap if not free computers and usually get them. If they don't, they probably didn't want them in the first place, probably because their too outdated, even for them.

And to everyone who is complaining that Apple isn't doing their part to help others, take a look around you. I bet you've got an old thingamabob just sitting there, unused, gathering dust. A TV? A lawn mower? A computer? Why isn't that at some poor person's house right now being used?

 

[zarusoba]

America ships its e-waste to developing countries

Please read this article:

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/Technology/story?id=1479506

Is America Exporting a Huge Environmental Problem?

Old Computers Often End Up in Toxic Heaps in Developing Countries

"Eighty percent of all the scrap electronics in the United States end up offshore and usually in Third World countries," said Bob Glavin of Chicago, who runs one of the biggest recycling plants in the country.


Peak Oil is upon us, Global Warming could cause billions to starve, and still our Macs gently weep.

 

[ancasta4]

Apple is a Forward Green Leader

The following comes from the articles that were posted about the new recycling policy from Apple "Equipment received by the program in the US is recycled domestically and no hazardous material is shipped overseas"....." Earlier this week, Apple was named a “Forward Green Leader,” one of the top ten environmentally progressive companies recognized by the Sierra Club and its investment advisor, Forward Management..." So with that said, they do not ship overseas and they haven't done that for quite some time...

Also if you think about this, for them to be keeping all of this in the U.S. this creates more job security to people who may need it. It doesn't support those overseas that need jobs but it supports those in the U.S. who do.

Also Apple has not really posted whether or not they would give any discount to those who choose to RECYCLE their equipment towards a new cpu purchase. I have reason to believe that they will do this... They haven't posted all of the details about the program, who said that they would'nt? Just like the iPods this would be an incentive to do the recycling besides having a cleaner earth. ...I can imagine it will not be that exciting for those who have to end up organizing all of this at the stores and shipping it back but this most defiantly will be a good thing.

 

[iDM]

This is literally a recycling program. They're offering to provide a free option for the environmental disposal of old computers, for people who would otherwise throw them away. It's not a profit source for customers--this is something that costs Apple money and Apple's refurb store isn't going to swell with the old and broken computers that come back to them.

This isn't a buyback or a trade-up program--no monetary incentives are called for. If the computer still works and isn't cripplingly outdated, by all means give it away to a worthwhile cause or sell it. If it's landfill-bound, then this is the perfect green solution.

PRECISELY.

 

[ro2nie]

This recycling program is very good.
At least these guys are not gonna have an excuse to smash their old computer equipment

 

[bretm]

Ok, on a lighter note, China has been shipping their "stuff" over here for some time now, and most of it ends up in landfills.

The article mentions that in Europe (and I think Canada) companies are required by law to recycle their stuff. Well nothing's for free. While not a bad idea, I wish the industry would self regulate and make it's decisions without the government getting involved. More government means more taxes, and the of course the companies are going to pass the extra cost to the consumer as well. Isn't it Canada and Europe etc that are always complaining that the cost of Apple products is far higher over there?

Kudos to Apple for stepping up. But if this program costs them tons of money, don't expect them (and the shareholders) to eat it. If anything the price of products will have to increase somewhere. In fact, I'd really expect to pay Apple to dispose of the computers. I can't believe people think Apple should buy them back.

Please read this article:

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/Technology/story?id=1479506

Is America Exporting a Huge Environmental Problem?

Old Computers Often End Up in Toxic Heaps in Developing Countries

"Eighty percent of all the scrap electronics in the United States end up offshore and usually in Third World countries," said Bob Glavin of Chicago, who runs one of the biggest recycling plants in the country.


Peak Oil is upon us, Global Warming could cause billions to starve, and still our Macs gently weep.

 

[dbhays]

Some schools don't want your junk!

Who would throw away a computer? And yep, this program would be nice if they bought them off of you. Maybe you people should call some schools in your area. I bet they would love to come pick them up from you. There is also the united way, toys for totts, salvation army... all of which will come to your house and pick them up. Think people.

As an IT person at an elementary school, I have to say that giving old computers is not a good idea. Our hallways are filled with donated monitors and CPUs, that cost as alot of money to dispose of. Some people donate to schools, so they don't have to pay disposal fees. Goodwilled administrators often take donations, then hand them over to the IT department. I just recieved 150 HP boxes with no CD drives, no disk drives, and no ethernet ports. These computers are just old boxes with no operating system. Then I recieved 58 Gateway boxes from the government, but the problem is they had to remove the hard drives. This does not help us in the least. We also are an Apple environment (most of our software does not run on WINDOZ)

I am not about saying schools don't want older computers, but an Apple II or an LC III do not really support us these days, either. We need somewhat modern machines with multimedia abilities, and the ability to connect to the internet.

Since Apple introduced OS X, things have gotten even worse. As we replace or purchase new systems, machines running only OS 7.0 - 9.0 become more and more obsolete as we migrate to OS X optimized software. Atleast at our school, we use a lot of server based programs that are now only supporting OS X, so even older imacs (that can't be upgraded) are being relegated to the hallways and backrooms.

As for internet connectivity, we are 100% wireless. We have NO ethernet ports anywhere in the school (major headache). Even our older imacs are not being used much, as the cost for older airport cards is out of our reach (I know there is a USB solution, but the kids steal them).

I am also worried about the intel transition, as we will need universal binaries of our software for many years (<10 years), or we will end up with mounds of unused pre intel Apple boxes.

All I am saying is please check with the local Tech departments, before dumping your good will with the front office, to see if it is really something that will benefit the technology plan of the school.

 

[AidenShaw]

how about the new Apple campus?

Apple's "friends" up the street had green news this week too....

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/business/14401809.htm

Turning on to solar energy

CAMPUS BOASTS BAY AREA'S LARGEST SYSTEM

Microsoft flipped the switch Friday on what it says is the largest solar-panel system in Silicon Valley.

The software giant's five-building campus in Mountain View is now bedecked with 31,000 square feet of solar panels, generating enough electricity to power about 300 homes. The panels adorn the roofs of the campus' five buildings.

 

[amateurmacfreak]

I think it's great that Apple's doing this, but....
it still makes me mad that it's only with the purchase of a new Mac.

Eh, whatever, generally if a computer isn't ancient you can get a school or the Salvation Army to take it...

 

[macEfan]

thats good, that they will pay for the shipping, but I never just reclycle my older computers... I put them to good use by donating or parting them out..

 

[Stella]

Oh, please. It's a freaking american company. What did u expect?

And one that should behave like a *global* company..

 

[MrCrowbar]

I may not be old enough maybe but I never had problems with old computers. I buy a new one when I feel like I need it and the old one is enslaved doing lower tasks like mail-server, file-server VOIP-server, router, etc...

I've never really had to really dispose of a computer. But if I have to someday, I'm glad Apple will take it back for free.

 

[nsb3000]

Who would throw away a computer? And yep, this program would be nice if they bought them off of you. Maybe you people should call some schools in your area. I bet they would love to come pick them up from you. There is also the united way, toys for totts, salvation army... all of which will come to your house and pick them up. Think people.

It depends how old they are. My parents have a Macintosh LC, this thing is like a decade old, I don't think any school or nonprofit group is going to want it. I wonder if Apple would take it?

 

[MrCrowbar]

It depends how old they are. My parents have a Macintosh LC, this thing is like a decade old, I don't think any school or nonprofit group is going to want it. I wonder if Apple would take it?

Try eBay. People pay a fortune for such things

 

[Damek]

I may not be old enough maybe but I never had problems with old computers. I buy a new one when I feel like I need it and the old one is enslaved doing lower tasks like mail-server, file-server VOIP-server, router, etc...

I've never really had to really dispose of a computer. But if I have to someday, I'm glad Apple will take it back for free.

Sounds nice in theory, but hard in practice if you have limited space - like, say, if you live in an apartment in a city. And if administration of mounting numbers of systems becomes more of a burden than a joy...

 

[MrCrowbar]

Sounds nice in theory, but hard in practice if you have limited space - like, say, if you live in an apartment in a city. And if administration of mounting numbers of systems becomes more of a burden than a joy...

True... But hey, I need 2 computers on my desk anyway.

If you want to get rid of your old computers, update faster. Like when the new revision comes out

 

[pacman7331]

Because like any program, it takes time to get all the pieces in place. They won't be equipped to send out the boxes and handle the returns until June. You can recycle ANY computer once the program starts. On June 1st when the program starts, any time you buy a Mac, they'll give you a box and prepaid airbills to get rid of your junk computer (if you want to). This one-ups Dell, who pays only for the airbill (not the packaging).


It is! The program just isn't starting until June.

OOOOHhhh wow! How Exciting!!! This is a utopian ideal indeed! I'm simply amazed. I don't entirely believe it... yet... but if it is true... I will be very impressed with apple's sensitivity to environemtal issues, and openness to the concept of change and social reform.

 

[Leoff]

OOOOHhhh wow! How Exciting!!! This is a utopian ideal indeed! I'm simply amazed. I don't entirely believe it... yet... but if it is true... I will be very impressed with apple's sensitivity to environemtal issues, and openness to the concept of change and social reform.

Sarcasm noted and promptly ignored.

 

[AidenShaw]

I buy a new one when I feel like I need it and the old one is enslaved doing lower tasks like mail-server, file-server VOIP-server, router, etc...

Sounds nice in theory, but hard in practice if you have limited space - like, say, if you live in an apartment in a city.

That's why I buy a more powerful system, and have the file server, DNS/DHCP server, and other stuff running as virtual machines in the main system.

There's no concern with conflicts between the servers (and some are Linux, some are Windows).

When I get a new computer, I shutdown all the servers, copy the virtual disks to the new computer, and restart. No reconfiguring, no hassle.

And if administration of mounting numbers of systems becomes more of a burden than a joy...

So true, and something that virtual machines tends to complicate (since making *more* servers is so easy and cheap).

 

[Mechcozmo]

Yes, I want the $2,000 I shelled out for my Performa 550!!!!

And I want the $10,000 for this Mac IIfx someone gave me.

 

[sushi]

Who would throw away a computer? And yep, this program would be nice if they bought them off of you. Maybe you people should call some schools in your area. I bet they would love to come pick them up from you. There is also the united way, toys for totts, salvation army... all of which will come to your house and pick them up. Think people.

Some computers are too old to donate. Organizations do not want them as they are too hard to support.

For example, some organizations may not want computers that can only run Mac OS 9 or Windows 98SE.

Remember, someone has to keep them up and running. For many organizations, this can become a burden eventhough it may seem like a good thing for them to accept all computers.

 

[gerardrj]

Stupid environmentalists.

What next? Will Sony be forced to start taking back my old DVD player? Will Good Humor be forced to take back my used popsicle sticks?

Recycling computers is a financial and energy waste. It costs money and fuel to transport the stuff to a handling depot and a LOT of work hours to dismantle, identify and separate the usable materials.

As for the toxic waste in the dumps argument? The dumps are lined and essentially leak proof.

Metal in the form of cans and solid objects (aluminum or steel in particular) are cost effective to recycle, but computers are best repurposed/reused or simply tossed.

 

[matticus008]

Stupid environmentalists.

What next? Will Sony be forced to start taking back my old DVD player? Will Good Humor be forced to take back my used popsicle sticks?

In much of the world, yes, you CAN recycle your DVD player (in fact, if you tossed it in the box with your computer, you could probably get rid of it in one fell swoop). Popsicle sticks are not particularly hazardous to the environment, being made of plant fiber.

Recycling computers is a financial and energy waste. It costs money and fuel to transport the stuff to a handling depot and a LOT of work hours to dismantle, identify and separate the usable materials.

Recycling isn't generally done by hand. In fact, the only place it is common to see it done by hand is in those illegal Asian junkyards. Most waste is shredded into manageable pieces and then processed (with precipitate-forming chemicals, smelting at progressive temperatures to separate metals, or a variety of other processes). Yes, it costs money, but the bigger the scale, the cheaper the per-unit cost to recycle.

The reused materials are also readily available to go into new products, which reduces demand for environmentally-damaging strip mining and prolongs the viability of the technology industry. After all, many of the components in electronics are made from relatively rare materials, and growing technology demands will result in scarce resources if none of it is recycled. Beyond that, landfill capacity is a serious problem in many areas, so anything that can be saved from landfills should be.

 

[(L)]

?

Umm, ok. Yeah, I guess eventually my PB will break beyond repair. Might I not use it as deco though? Or keep it for the heck of it? Lol, I'll have to see when I get to that point. After all, a laptop doesn't make a good Maquarium.