E-Waste Milestone: Sony Offers Free Recycling

Starting next month, consumers who have struggled to find a way to recycle old electronics equipment can drop them off at Waste Management facilities, as long as they're Sony products, according to a story in today's USA Today.

Sony became the first company of its kind in the United States to offer the free recycling, in a partnership with the giant waste hauler. TVs, stereos, laptops and other Sony products can be dropped off at 75 Waste Management centers starting Sept. 15.

The plan is to double access and ultimately have a recycling center within 20 miles of most U.S. residents. Use this Website to locate one near you sony.com/recycle.

While advocates are watching certain details — how much of the product gets recycled, rather than trashed, for instance — the move by Sony represents a breakthrough in the movement to make manufacturers more responsible for the entire life cycle of their products.

As electronics have become more disposable, with newer models out performing almost-new models, there has been a flood of e-trash to local landfills and incinerators. Trace toxic elements in each unit adds up to a pollutant stew — which is what makes Sony's move so important.

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