Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Green Living Solution: Best Buy Electronics Recycling Program

We do a lot of recycling. Most weeks, both of our recycle bins are filled to the top, and sometimes we even have to put an extra box out. We tend to have just as much recycling as trash, although of course some weeks are exceptions. Curb side recycling is all well and good when it comes to paper, plastic, glass, and metal cans. But what about the big stuff, like electronics? Have you ever just tossed an old television or broken DVD player in the garbage, without giving it a second thought? I know I have. But now I know that there is a better solution.

Did you know that any Best Buy store in the U.S. and Puerto Rico will recycle your electronics at no cost to you? They will recycle just about any electronic product, purchased from any store, no matter how old it is. Some states do have certain restrictions. For more specific information, you can visit the Best Buy website. Once there, you will see a list of items typically accepted for recycling in Best Buy stores. To find the program details specific to your state, select your state from the drop down menu.

In Michigan, the following guidelines apply:
  • Seven items per household may be recycled per day
  • Most electronics are accepted, including tube TVs and monitors up to 32", flat-panel TVs and monitors up to 60", peripherals, DVD players, home and car audio, cell phones, MP3 players, and cables.
  • Desktop and laptop computers are accepted
  • Small electronic items, such as fans and vacuums, are accepted
  • Electronics containing refrigerants are not accepted
  • Console TVs of any size, or tube TVs and monitors larger than 32" are not accepted
  • Appliances are not accepted
  • There is a haul away or pick-up program available for appliances and large TVs (fees may apply)
  • Disassembled TVs and monitors are not accepted
Remember to check the guidelines for your own state, as they may differ.

Looking over that list, I feel guilty about all of our electronics that have gone out with the trash! From now on, I'll know better!

With technology being so prevalent in most households, and new products coming out everyday, it is no wonder that electronics are the fastest growing source of waste in the world! Many of those products are purchased in Best Buy stores, so they are dedicated to being part of the solution. Best Buy recycles an unbelievable 387 pounds of electronics for every MINUTE their stores are open. That's over a quarter millions pounds of electronics per day! You can count on Best Buy to safely and responsibly dispose of your old electronics.

Once you take your old electronics to Best Buy for recycling, you may want to consider replacing those items with Energy Star certified products. To learn more about Energy Star certified electronics, visit the Best Buy website.

Did you know that Best Buy had an electronics recycling program? Have you ever used it? 

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

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