Recycling old computer

Question

Level 1

13 points

Recycling old computer

After purchasing my Macbook Pro in June, I was told that I could recycle my old laptop for free courtesy of Apple, but I don't know how to. I tried searching for the solution on Apple's website and got this:

"Recycle for free with the purchase of a new Mac.
If you're buying a new Mac, we'll recycle your old computer for free.
Visit an Apple Retail Store, and a Specialist can sign you up. Or shop
the Apple Online Store and choose to recycle your computer during
the checkout process. "

I bought my Macbook Pro with the online Apple Store, but didn't realize that I had to make a choice to recycle at checkout. So since I did not do that, I went to the Apple's flagship store in NYC to ask someone, but he told me to call Apple's support number for the answer. I called, but the representative didn't know, put me on hold, and hung up.

Does anyone know how I can get Apple to recycle my old computer? Thanks.

Macbook Pro 13", Mac OS X (10.6.4)

Posted on Jul 29, 2010 11:44 AM

Reply

Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,556 points

Jul 29, 2010 12:01 PM in response to whozdabest

Here is the link:

http://www.apple.com/recycling/computer/

Regards,

Roger

Reply

Answer 2

whozdabest Author

Level 1

13 points

Jul 31, 2010 6:37 AM in response to rkaufmann87

I've tried that link before, but it doesn't lead me to recycling my old computer. After putting in the information to your old computer, all it tells me is this:

"Recycle for free with the purchase of a new Mac.
If you're buying a new Mac, we'll recycle your old computer for free.
Visit an Apple Retail Store, and a Specialist can sign you up. Or shop
the Apple Online Store and choose to recycle your computer during
the checkout process."

It gives you a link to a paid recycling program, not the free one. Why doesn't Apple have a simple answer to this?

Reply

Answer 3

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,556 points

Jul 31, 2010 7:14 AM in response to whozdabest

Very strange I clicked on the Get Started button in that link and it worked just fine for me. Where are you located, I'm in the US and had absolutely no problems at all.

Reply

Answer 4

whozdabest Author

Level 1

13 points

Aug 1, 2010 6:03 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Although the link works, it gives me NO directions on how to recycle my old computer for free courtesy of Apple given my situation. After selecting get started, you have to enter the information for your old computer. But the page after that only tells you how to recycle it for a fee and the message I quoted twice above. No directions whatsoever on how I can recycle my old computer given that I did not choose to recycle option at checkout.

Thanks for the replies btw. I am in the US.

Reply

Answer 5

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,556 points

Aug 1, 2010 6:07 PM in response to whozdabest

Exactly what kind of machine are you trying to recycle?

Reply

Answer 6

direwolf8

Level 4

1,280 points

Aug 2, 2010 11:42 AM in response to whozdabest

It would surprise me if you had to make the choice only at checkout. A lot of people need to hold on to their old computer until everything is transferred to the new one, so Apple must have provisions to take it for recycling after the purchase.

Reply

Answer 7

whozdabest Author

Level 1

13 points

Aug 4, 2010 11:27 AM in response to direwolf8

I'm trying to recycle an old PC laptop: Acer Travelmate 290, 15", Pentium M 1.6 ghz, 512 ram, integrated 64mb graphics card, 802.11b/g, etc. Pretty much the oldest kind of computer I should get rid of. That shouldn't be the point right? Apple says they will recycle an old computer for free, but given that I didn't realize I had to note that during checkout, normal Apple support doesn't know what to do.

I agree with you, direwolf8. I was surprised that Apple doesn't a simple answer for this. I feel like this situation is similar to buying an iphone without a contract. Apple says in its disclaimer:

"For those who are not eligible for an early upgrade or who wish to buy iPhone as a gift, the prices are $499 (8GB), $599 (16GB), or $699 (32GB)."

Despite this, I can't find out how to buy an iphone at these prices. I went to the flagship Apple store in NYC and they denied the ability to buy any iphone without a contract. When you try to order an iphone online, you can't place the order until after you sign up for AT&T.

Sorry for rambling, but my point is that Apple says some things, but they don't actually make it easy, or even make it impossible, for consumers to get these services.

Reply

Answer 8

PowerON

Level 1

0 points

Aug 12, 2010 4:00 PM in response to whozdabest

The online reuse and recycling program mentioned above would not be the solution for this particular situation but we very much appreciate your interest in recycling responsibly and would like to assist you with this situation. The online program mentioned above will recycle any Apple branded products for free and will offer a value quote for any computer products that still retain value. If your item is a PC/Windows product that no longer retains value, it can be recycled. Please contact our customer service rep, mention this response and we will make every effort to help you.

<Edited by Host>

Reply

Answer 9

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,556 points

Aug 12, 2010 4:03 PM in response to PowerON

With due respect I'd recommend you read the Terms of Use of this forum where it states:

_No advertising._

Do not use the Site to sell or market your products to others and do not post a URL unless it directly answers a user’s question. If any portion of your Submission, including any posted URL, results in any accrual of compensation or benefit to you, you must note this in your post by stating, “I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.” As well, the following are not allowed:

1. A submission created solely to advertise a book, service, software or some other item for sale.

2. Any reference, including a link, to a commercial item that is not directly related to a relevant technical support question or answer. For example: “This post created by Super Post Creator.”

3. You may sign your Submissions with information about yourself. However, this should not include a link to a website. An example of an acceptable signature:
Justine R.
Author, “Apple Lisa Communities: Tips and Tricks”

Reply

Answer 10

PowerON

Level 1

0 points

Aug 12, 2010 4:23 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Just to be clear, the website removed is Apple's authorized recycler for which we are not affiliated. We were simply providing clarification as to how the OP could proceed. We apologize for causing concern.

Reply