HP: Don't trash that old computer
By Ian Fried
Staff Writer, CNET
News.com
February 5, 2003, 5:10 PM PT
Hewlett-Packard is hoping a little green will help make computer owners
recycle more of their old tech gear. The computer maker is testing a
program that gives those who recycle their old computers, monitors,
printers or other gear a coupon worth up to $50 for any purchase of $60 or
more on HP's online store. Under a program announced nearly two years ago,
HP charges anywhere from $17 to $31 to recycle products. The company says
the coupon will offset the amount customers must pay for the service, which
ensures none of the gear ends up in landfills. The need for recycling is
growing, particularly as nonprofit agencies become less willing to accept
older gear, said Renee St. Denis, manager of HP's recycling effort. The
problem of what to do with all this aging equipment has become a major
issue facing the tech industry. "Now there is nobody to use it, and
(charities) are coming to understand there is a cost to disposing of it
properly," St. Denis said in an interview. With the promotion--which runs
through April 30--HP hopes to find out whether a financial incentive will
boost the number of products being recycled. The company said it already
receives thousands of products each year, but would not be more specific on
the amount. "We thought we'd give this a shot; then we'll evaluate how to
move forward," St. Denis said. Those who return PCs, scanners, handhelds or
inkjet printers will receive $20, while those who return monitors and laser
printers will receive $30 coupons. A PC with a monitor fetches $50. While
most of the products HP gets back are obsolete, the company does keep a
list of what some charities are looking for and will donate any gear that
meets the charities' minimum standards. "For the most part what we get in
here is pretty darn old," St. Denis said. HP's recycling program accepts
its gear as well as similar products made by competitors. "We don't want
toasters, but we'll take other people's printers," St. Denis said.