eBay Launches PC Reuse and Recycling Initiative

ARCHIVED 2003–2016 — Originally distributed via eWire press wire service

HOME | ABOUT US | CONTACT US | SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE | THE ARCHIVE Search Circuits Energy Health & Biotech Conservation Corporate Responsibility Tourism Events Agriculture Government Legal & Regulatory Natural Resources Science & Technology Transportation Benefits Products & Services Distribution List Syndication Partners Global Clients Testimonials FAQs ************************************************************************** E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE E-WIRE PRESS RELEASE ************************************************************************** Business Editors/Technology Writers eBay Launches PC Reuse and Recycling Initiative "Rethink" Initiative Unites Intel Corp., Apple, Gateway, HP, IBM, Ingram Micro and Environmental Groups Behind Unprecedented E-Waste Effort LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, Jan. 6 -/E-Wire/Business Wire/-- eBay, The World's Online Marketplace(R), today launched a major initiative that brings together leading technology companies, government agencies, environmental groups and millions of eBay users to confront the problem of "e-waste" -- unused or obsolete computers that may pose environmental hazards when disposed of in landfills. With Intel Corporation as its primary ally, eBay's Rethink Initiative coordinates efforts by industry leaders Apple, Gateway, HP, IBM and Ingram Micro with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the non-profit Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service, among other participants. The centerpiece of the program is a Web site (www.ebay.com/rethink) that helps consumers and businesses learn about the different product disposition alternatives, such as recycling and refurbishing, and makes it easy to put this knowledge into action. As consumers and businesses upgrade their PCs to enjoy new capabilities and increase productivity, many are unsure about how to responsibly dispose of old equipment. The Rethink Initiative brings private and public organizations together to promote reuse and recycling as key steps in the purchase process. Intel and eBay will jointly promote the Rethink Initiative and work together in reaching out to additional industry, government and environmental groups to help make the Rethink Initiative even more comprehensive. Industry analyst Gartner estimates that in the U.S. alone, about 133,000 PCs per day are currently being retired and replaced by their original owners. These systems may contain hazardous materials, such as plastic, lead, cadmium, chromium, and mercury that need to be handled in an environmentally responsible manner. Yet Americans' understanding of recycling and reuse options remains limited -- only about 10 percent of unwanted PCs in the U.S. are recycled, according to the Grass Roots Recycling Network. "eBay's millions of users can be a powerful force for good," said Meg Whitman, eBay president and CEO. "The Rethink Initiative will educate consumers on how to properly dispose of or recycle the millions of tons of e-waste they confront each year. We're extremely excited about the positive role eBay's user community will play in confronting this environmental dilemma." At the Rethink site, individuals and businesses can take advantage of two core resources: -- Education: Comprehensive information on the options available to consumers and small businesses to reuse or responsibly recycle computers. -- Disposition tools: Easy access to a full range of responsible product disposition options -- including services provided by Rethink Initiative participants -- and a variety of eBay-related solutions including assisted selling on eBay with convenient local drop-off options, trade-in programs, donating to charity or recycling in their local area. "As the technology industry continues to develop new and exciting products, it's important that all parties -- industry, government, business and consumers -- work together to responsibly dispose of old equipment," said Intel CEO Craig Barrett. "Intel has a 10-year history of wor