14 DAY TRIAL // The popular Reuse and Recycling program that enables iDevice holders to come into their local store and trade in the device for credits has been expanded to Italy, with Apple planning to roll out the program to Australian customers as well.
Sources in Italy are reporting that Apple Retail stores in the country are now hanging banners promoting the trade-ins with credits as high as €220 / $300 offered for some eligible models.
Per the program’s rules, the credits turn into real-money savings when used towards the purchase of a newer iPhone model. Australia is up next, according to an unnamed source speaking to 9to5mac.
The program is available not only for iDevice trade-ins, but also for desktop computers and laptops, and even batteries.
Apple’s description of the program reads, “Turn that iPhone, iPad, or computer — Mac or PC — you’re not using anymore into something brand new. Send it to us and we’ll determine if it qualifies for reuse.”
“If it does, that means your device has monetary value that we’ll apply to an Apple Store Gift Card, which you can use for purchases at any Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store. If your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or PC doesn’t qualify for reuse, we’ll recycle it responsibly at no cost to you.”
Apple is partners with PowerON for the deal, allowing the latter to estimate the fair market value of the product that’s being traded in. PowerON provides prepaid options to package and ship the product to their facility for evaluation and, after a short time, the customer is sent the Apple Store Gift Card with the appropriate amount of credits.
The program allows anyone to dispose of their old hardware, including beat-up Windows PCs. For that, Apple has another partner to handle their dirty laundry. The Cupertino giant explains:
“If all you want is to dispose of your unwanted equipment – regardless of brand – we can help you do that. Apple contracts with Sims Recycling Solutions to responsibly recycle computers and displays from any manufacturer.”
In the case of a different brand computer, customers must visit www.applepoweredbysims.com, get a prepaid shipping label, pack their device using their own box, and whisk it away.
Customers who are careful what they output into the environment can bring their old Mac batteries to an Apple Retail Store and have them recycled for free.
Since October 2002, Apple has been encouraging residents its home town (Cupertino) to recycle their unwanted computers and home electronics free at the company’s collection facility in Cupertino.
Visit Apple’s Reuse and Recycling site for more information on the program.