Sony launches U.S. e-waste recycling effort

Computerworld - Sony Electronics Inc. has launched a nationwide recycling program to help consumers recycle and dispose of their electronic devices.

The Sony Take Back Recycling Program will allow consumers to recycle all Sony products for free at 75 Waste Management (WM) Recycle America eCycling drop-off centers across the U.S.

Consumers may also ship their used Sony Electronics products to certain WM Recycle America locations. They can also pay market rates to recycle other manufacturers' consumer electronics products, and some materials may require a recycling fee, according to a statement.

Sony said it developed the program, which begins Sept. 15, with WM Recycle America, a subsidiary of Waste Management Inc. The companies plan to increase the number of eCycling drop-off centers to 150 within a year and hope to have at least one center in every state. Eventually Sony and WM Recycle America want to locate drop-off centers within 20 miles of nearly every U.S. citizen.

Sony said the recycling program is part of its global commitment to protecting the environment.

"Providing the highest level of service and support doesn't stop once a purchase is made. We believe it is Sony's responsibility to provide customers with end-of-life solutions for all the products we manufacture," said Stan Glasgow, president and chief operating officer of Sony Electronics, in the statement. "Through the Take Back Recycling Program, our customers will know that their Sony products will be recycled in an environmentally responsible manner."

Glasgow said Sony's goal is to recycle one pound of old consumer electronics equipment for every pound of new products it sells.

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