Sony launches national electronics recycling scheme in America

"Take Back" program offers drop off centres

17 August 2007 14:27 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

To encourage consumers to recycle and dispose of electronic devices in an environmentally sound manner, in the States Sony has launched a national recycling program for consumer electronics.

The Sony Take Back Recycling Program allows consumers to recycle all Sony-branded products for free at 75 Waste Management Recycle America eCycling drop-off centres throughout the US.

The program also allows consumers to recycle other manufacturers’ consumer electronics products at "market prices".

The scheme is set to double the number of eCycling drop-off centers within a year with the eventual plan to have enough drop-off locations in all 50 states so there is a recycling center within 20 miles of 95% of the US population.

We've been in touch with Sony in the UK to see if a similar scheme is due to launch here, a Sony spokesperson stated that they have no information on imminent plans at this time for a similar scheme in the UK.

Throughout Europe, Sony is "establishing systems for the collection and recycling of waste electrical and electronic products with the aim of achieving extended producer responsibility while encouraging competition in the recycling market".

Sony is one of the four founding members of the European Recycling Platform and in line with the recently introduced WEEE law, is running take-back schemes in other European countries.

The WEEE directive should mean that more companies will be offering more schemes like these, but if you are unsure of how you can recycle your unwanted electronics, and other items, find a link below to the Valpak-backed Recycle More website.

Full tags

Hardware, Sony, Eco