14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has launched a recycling program in the United Kingdom where customers can turn their old equipment into a brand-new Mac, iPod, iPhone or iPad. Or, they can just accept the cash.
A message on the company’s UK site reads: “Apple’s commitment to the environment includes finding the most efficient ways to reuse or recycle electronic equipment at the end of its useful life, including iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC computers, and displays from any manufacturer. You may even get some money for your old equipment.”
Under the terms of the program, customers can send in any iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC, working or not, and have Apple look at it to see if it qualifies for reuse, and therefore assign it a monetary value.
The amount is credited directly into the user’s bank account. If there’s no cash to be gained from the item, you can at least rest assured it gets recycled responsibly through one of the company’s free recycling programs.
Here’s how to get started, according to the Cupertino, California-based technology giant:
1. Tell us about your device. Only iPhone, iPad, and Mac or PC desktop and notebook computers qualify for the Apple Reuse and Recycling Programme.
2. Get your estimate and ship your device. The service is provided by Dataserv, who will estimate the fair market value of your device. They will send you a pre-paid shipping label.2 You can then pack your device carefully and send it for verification.
3. The amount is sent directly to your bank account. After entering the relevant information on the Dataserv web portal, the monetary value of your device will be transferred into your bank account and you can use it to purchase a brand-new Mac, iPod, iPhone or iPad.
The company even provides safe disposal of packaging materials, free of charge, at local packaging collection points or in dedicated disposal bins available in some local authorities. You can learn more here.