Date: June 2, 2008
Source: News Room
Best Buy tests free electronics recycling program in 117 stores
Program to expand the electronics, appliance recycling options available to consumers
Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) has launched a test of its newest electronics recycling program in 117 U.S. stores, a complementary addition to the existing programs offered by Best Buy stores to help consumers take environmentally-responsible action with their old electronics.
Starting June 1, 117 stores in the Baltimore, San Francisco, and Minnesota markets are inviting customers to bring in no more than two (2) units per day, per household, for recycling at no charge. Customers can bring items such as televisions and monitors up to 32", computers, phones, cameras, and other electronics devices and peripherals in for recycling. For a complete list of the participating store locations, please click here: www.bestbuynewscenter.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=4567.
The following items cannot be accepted through this program:
Televisions or monitor screens greater than 32"
Console televisions
Air conditioners
Microwaves
Appliances (customers are invited instead to use Best Buy's appliance haul-away and pick-up programs)
Best Buy will work with its stores, recycling partners, and manufacturers to evaluate the success of the test and determine options for scaling it across the U.S.
Meanwhile, Best Buy continues to offer these electronics and appliance recycling options, available in every U.S. store:
Recycling kiosks: at the front of every store, ink cartridges, rechargeable batteries, cell phones, CDs, DVDs, and PDA/smart phones can be dropped off for free recycling.
Appliance and television haul-away: Best Buy will remove an old or obsolete appliance or television free of charge from a consumers' home when a new product is purchased and delivered by Best Buy Home Delivery or Geek Squad Home Theater Installation Service.
Appliance and television pick-up: For $100, Best Buy will arrange a home visit to remove up to two (2) appliance units and/or televisions for recycling, with $20 for each additional unit.
Tech Trade-In: Visit www.bestbuytradein.com to trade in select gently used electronics for a Best Buy gift card.
As You Sow, an investor corporate accountability group that engaged with Best Buy on its electronics recycling programs, praised the company's action. "We salute Best Buy for taking the initiative to offer free electronics take back at a number of its stores," said Conrad MacKerron, director of corporate social responsibility, As You Sow. "Making electronics recycling almost as easy as purchasing these goods has the potential to simplify recycling for millions of consumers who may be confused about where to return end-of-life goods in their area."
About Best Buy Co., Inc.
Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) operates an international portfolio of brands with a commitment to growth and innovation. Our employees strive to provide customers around the world with superior experiences by responding to their unique needs and aspirations. We sell consumer electronics, home-office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services through nearly 1,300 retail stores across the United States, throughout Canada and in China. Our multi-channel operations include: Best Buy (BestBuy.com, BestBuy.ca and BestBuy.com.cn), Future Shop (FutureShop.ca), Geek Squad (GeekSquad.com and GeekSquad.ca), Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers (PacificSales.com), Magnolia Audio Video (Magnoliaav.com), Jiangsu Five Star Appliance Co. (Five-Star.cn) and Speakeasy (Speakeasy.net). Best Buy supports the communities in which its employees work and live through volunteerism and grants that benefit children and education.
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ContactsKelly Groehler
612-291-6115
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