
[Image credit: Jason Penner at Flickr under a Creative Commons license]
Americans produce millions of tons of e-waste each year. Our old computers, cameras, VCRs and so on are full of toxic substances that, if disposed of improperly, are terrible for our ecosystem. Sony is teaming up with Waste Management to help consumers responsibly dispose of e-waste. They’re hosting events across the U.S. and accepting TVs, computer monitors, computer systems, VCRs, DVDs, cameras, phones and other consumer electronics.
You can check out upcoming and past events on Sony’s site. They’ve completed 88 events, recycling almost 12 million pounds of e-waste! There are just two cities remaining on the tour:
- Atlanta, GA – November 22nd from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Philips Arena
- Austin, TX – December 6th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Travis County Expo Center
Missed the road show? No sweat!
Sony has also worked with Waste Management to set up permanent e-waste recycling centers. You can find one near you by entering your zip code into their locator tool. Sony is also including haul-away recycling for folks who purchase a 32″ or larger Bravia LCD television with premiere in-home delivery. They also will take batteries for recycling at Sony Style stores.
Trade-In Program
On top of the recycling initiatives, Sony has established a trade-in program, where folks can get credit towards a new laptop, camera, or camcorder just by trading in the old one. You can participate in the trade program whether your old equipment is Sony or not, and there is not an obligation to buy first. They’ll let you trade for Sony credit up front.


Recycling can be greatly facilitated by proper design of the product. E.g. we use plastics and metallics of different molecular weights, such that when recycling, the whole product can be molted and spun in a centrifuge. All different raw materials will separate into different layers that can be extracted one by one. It works wonders!
Design for recycling
http://www.powerhouserecycling.com can help you with electronics recycling if you live in the Charlotte area.