Apple Expands Recycling Options for Old Computers and Mobile Devices

Apple today quietly rolled out several enhancements to its reuse and recycling programs designed to help consumers dispose of their outdated computers and mobile devices in an environmentally friendly manner. The changes include the addition of old iPhone and iPad devices as accepted items for gift card trade-ins and free recycling for all computers and displays, regardless of manufacturer.

apple recycle banner aug11
- iPhone and iPad now accepted for Apple Gift Card trade-ins. Apple has for some time partnered with PowerON to offer users the ability to trade in an old desktop or notebook computer (Mac or PC) and receive an Apple Gift Card good for the "fair market value" of the computer. The gift card can then be used in any Apple retail store or the online store. Apple has now expanded the trade-in program to allow users to send in their used iPhone and iPad devices for gift cards.

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.

- Free recycling of all computers and displays. Apple also has an existing partnership with WeRecycle to help recycle computers that no longer possess trade-in value. Apple had previously offered free recycling of all old Macs as well as PC systems for customers purchasing Macs, old non-Apple-branded computers and displays recycled without the purchase of a Mac were processed through WeRecycle for a $30 fee to cover shipping. But Apple has now expanded its relationship with WeRecycle to support free recycling of all brands of computers and displays, regardless of whether the user is purchasing a new Mac.

If all you want is to dispose of your unwanted equipment — regardless of brand — we can help you do that. Apple contracts with WeRecycle! to responsibly recycle computers and displays from any manufacturer. Just call 877-712-2405 to receive a free prepaid shipping label. Then pack up your equipment using your own box and send it off.

Apple also continues to offer its iPod and mobile phone recycling program. That program offers users 10% off of the purchase of a new iPod when they trade in an old iPod at an Apple retail store. Users can also recycle their old iPods or mobile phones (from any manufacturer) free of charge by mail.

Apple's recycling and trade-in services are of course not the only options for users seeking to get rid of outdated equipment, as there are many other vendors offering cash for trade-ins and a number of states and municipalities offer recycling programs for electronics. But Apple is clearly taking an interest in providing such services on a broader basis to help simplify the process for its customers.

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Top Rated Comments

the8thark Avatar
173 months ago
If an iPhone4 just accidentally happens to fall into a Blendtec blender will Apple still accept it for recycling?

Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hexor Avatar
173 months ago
I would never use this program... I'm sure a lot of people are like me. If I'm getting a new computer I'll put the old one on Craigslist, and earn as much as possible. If I have some computer that's completely worthless, I'll throw it away. I'm not going to take the time to ship it to Apple

Depending on where you live it may be illegal for you to throw it away. CRT monitors for one have a large amount of lead in the glass. Older computers will have lead, PVC, cadmium, mercury, etc.. All really nasty stuff if not disposed of properly.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AriX Avatar
173 months ago
I will never give up my 4GB blue iPod mini!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
*LTD* Avatar
173 months ago
Just sell your old Apple gear. Big resale value, as we are all aware. Older Macs can still fetch a pretty penny.

Granted, at some point it'll either end up as a collector's item or an addition to a trash heap.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thejadedmonkey Avatar
173 months ago
Wait- did I understand this correctly? I have an old Gatway 2000 PC from the late 90's sitting in my basement. I can just call Apple and they'll give me a shipping label so I can recycle it for $0 on my part?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mstmartin Avatar
173 months ago
I have recently sold my 20" iMac from 2007 and currently selling my 2009 HP HDX notebook on ebay.

Apple says:
Apple iMac Core 2 Duo 2.16 GHz 20" White (2006-07)(MA589LL/A)
Estimate provided by PowerON:
$227.25


Mine sold for $510 (not including shipping.)Excellent condition.

I'm currently selling my notebook PC (excellent condition, with battery and power cord.)

Apple says:
PC - Intel Compatible Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 - 2.49GHz Notebook
Estimate provided by PowerON:
$80.35


Its currently in an auction on ebay at over $200 and still has a week left. It can run CS5 and play modern video games at high settings. I already did my research, it will sell between $320-400.

Make your own judgements, I've made mine and all I gotta say is if it still works, sell it yourself. Actually, act like you never read that last line. Contact me with what you are selling, I'll give you whatever Apple offers and throw in a few bucks to make it a better deal, then turn around and sell it for 50-75% profit. Oh and act like you never read the part about me selling your computer for 50-75% profit. :p
I'm joking by the way, don't contact me with what you are selling haha.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)