Apple has just launched a new free computer take-back program, offering customers residing in the US an environmentally friendly way to recycle their old computers when they purchase a new Mac.

The offer is available both through the Apple Store and Apple retail stores, regardless of how old the former computer is and who made it. Those who wish to participate will have an e-mail sent to them from Apple with instructions and a label for free shipping and recycling; all the customer has to do is package the recyclable gear and attach the provided label.

Apple's free computer take-back program is offered to customers in the 48 contiguous United States. All the equipment will be recycled domestically and no hazardous material is shipped overseas.

This is not the first such program to come from Apple, the company having recycled over 21 million pounds of electronics worldwide since 1994. The company also has a continuing free iPod recycling program in the US retail stores, offering environmentally friendly methods of disposing of old and unwanted iPods and a nice 10 percent discount on the purchase of a new iPod. In addition, the company also offers a free drop-off recycling service at its Cupertino headquarters, which accepts computer systems and other home electronics.