Apple quietly rolls out updated recycling program

Apple has prided themselves in doing something for the environment, such as making sure that their products are made from materials that do not harm the environment, such as the lack of certain chemicals. They have also a recycling program, which until recently required the user to pay $30 if they sent in a product for recycling, or for free if they bought a Mac at the same time.

This recent update was rolled out rather quietly on Tuesday but thanks to the sharp eyes at MacRumors, we now have a better idea of what Apple’s new recycling program is offering.

Turn that iPhone, iPad, or computer—Mac or PC—you’re not using anymore into something brand new. Send it to us and we’ll determine if it qualifies for reuse. If it does, that means your device has monetary value that we’ll apply to an Apple Gift Card, which you can use for purchases at any Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store. If your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or PC doesn’t qualify for reuse, we’ll recycle it responsibly at no cost to you.

Sounds like a pretty good deal and there has been a report where a user got a $450 gift card for a 2009 13” MacBook Pro. Chances are if you sell direct to an interested buyer, you will be able to fetch a better deal and get paid in cash too, but for older products that are already out of date, it seems like an easier move to just recycle it and at least get something of value in return for it.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Green
Tags: iPad, iPhone, iPod, recycling, Solar