Best Buy, Inc. (NYSE: BBY) is rolling out a complete consumer electronics recycling program at 117 of its stores across the U.S. If all goes well and consumers start bringing in old televisions, microwaves and dishwashers, the retailer may expand the program nationwide to all stores. Best Buy states that more than two million tons of electronics are thrown in the trash each year. The small part it could play would make an impact on the amount of electronics that end up in landfills.That sentiment is all nice and mighty, but don't think for a second there won't be an incentive to purchase that replacement piece of electronics right there on the spot as you're unloading your old console television. Best Buy has a knack for neat programs that have the end goal of driving more foot traffic into its stores, and this one is no different. This time, though, the benefits right up front equal less electronics contamination in landfills.
When many consumer electronics recycled products are shipped overseas to be "demanufactured" in unsafe conditions (then dumped into local landfills), Best Buy's effort to have its recycling partners actually recycle all the parts possible from all the products received in is admirable. If the retailer really wants to make an impact, give the customer 10% off a new piece of equipment for recycling that old microwave, then really watch the customers line up.
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