Today Apple kicked off the computer recycling program announced by Steve Jobs earlier this year, but it comes with conditions that prevent it from becoming a dumping ground for just anyone’s old computers.
First, the program is available only to individuals who purchase a qualifying Apple computer and/or monitor at the on-line store, Apple’s telesales or one of Apple’s retail stores [except the Ala Moana (Hi.) store]. The service covers any brand of one computer, one monitor (no cracked or broken CRTs) and peripheral equipment, packaged in a maximum of two customer-provided boxes weighing less than 70 pounds each. Apple will send the customer an e-mail with shipping numbers and a barcode, which are taken with the boxes to a Fed-Ex office for shipping within 30 days of purchase. Apple says California residents will be charged a fee up to $18 for CRT disposal, although Apple’s own Web page on the subject seems to indicate the fee applies only to CRT purchases. When you make a retail store purchase, participation in the recycling program will be offered by a store employee, and you must choose to opt-in in order to receive the recycling e-mail.
