New Apple iPod Recycling Program offers incentive
In response to mounding pressure from environmental activists, Apple today announced a free recycling program for its iPod digital music players.
iPods received for recycling in the US will be processed domestically and no hazardous material will be shipped overseas, Apple said in a statement to the press.
At the company's annual shareholders meeting this past April, a group environmentalists drew the ire of Apple chief executive Steve Jobs by attacking Appleâs policies on recycling through picketing and other means.
Specifically, the group charged that the iPod is an "environmental time-bomb" because it contains lead and other toxins that will eventually end up in landfills somewhere.
At the time, Jobs fired back saying consumers often throw away old electronics batteries. He also recognized that tens of thousands of iPod owners had already replaced their iPod batteries through Appleâs $99 Battery Replacement Program, which properly disposes of the old batteries.
More details of Appleâs worldwide recycling programs are available at Apple's environmental website.