|
Hoping to encourage consumers to recycle and properly dispose electronic devices, Sony has established a national recycling program for consumer electronics (CE). The Sony Take Back Recycling Program allows consumers to recycle all Sony-branded products for no fee at 75 Waste Management (WM) Recycle America eCycling drop-off centers throughout the United States. The program, which will start on September 15, was developed in collaboration with WM Recycle America, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Waste Management Inc. The program also allows consumers to recycle other manufacturers’ CE products at market prices, and may include a recycling fee for some types of materials. This is the first national recycling initiative in the United States that will involve both a major electronics manufacturer and a national waste management company. As the Sony Take Back Recycling program expands, the number of eCycling drop-off centers will increase to about 150 sites within a year, with at least one location in every state through a combination of WM Recycle America locales and WM external service partners. Sony and WM Recycle America are also working towards the goal of having enough drop-off locations in all 50 states to have a recycling center within 20 miles of 95 percent of the U.S. population. Consumers will also have the option of shipping their used Sony electronics products to select WM Recycle America locations. The Sony Take Back Recycling Program is part of Sony’s broader global commitment to environmental stewardship, which spans product design, recycling, facilities management and energy conservation across all categories. "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 CEO of Sony Electronics. He added that by making the recycling of Sony products easy and convenient, the company expects to reach its goal of recycling one pound of old CE equipment for every pound of new products sold. "People are seeking services to help them recycle electronic waste responsibly and economically," said Patrick DeRueda, president of WM Recycle America. "This program serves consumers" needs by offering a convenient and cost-effective waste management solution, while demonstrating our shared commitment to providing outstanding customer service and environmental stewardship." (() |