Apple now greener than a Granny Smith?

Stuart Corner
Friday, 28 April 2006 09:09

IT Industry - Strategy

Apple in the US has expanded its computer recycling program to offer purchasers of new system free take-back and recycling of obsolete equipment. From June, US customers who buy a new Mac through the Apple Store or Apple’s retail stores will receive free shipping and "environmentally friendly" disposal of their old computer. Apple says that equipment received by the program in the US is recycled domestically and that no hazardous material is shipped overseas.

The announcement follows just days after Apple was named a “Forward Green Leader' one of the top ten environmentally progressive companies recognised by the Sierra Club - a 115 year old US environmental organisation with over 700,000 members - and its investment advisor, Forward Management.

Apple's free take-back program will extend Apple's existing US recycling program, which, Apple claims has recycled more than 90 percent of electronic equipment collected since 2001.

Apple also announced that the fifth generation iPod, iPod nano and iPod shuffle are 100 percent compliant with the upcoming restrictions of hazardous substances (RoHS) in California and Europe, which are recognised as the new global standard for environmental regulation.