Staples US Retail is enhancing its technology take-back programme to encourage more customers to recycle their unwanted equipment.
According to a recent Staples survey, 54% of Americans own old technology items they have not used in more than one year while 70% don’t know where to take technology to be recycled. Additionally, the research uncovered the technology that consumers are the least likely to recycle, namely laptops (78%), cell phones/smartphones (66%), and tablets/iPads (59%). The items consumers are most likely to have not used in a year or more are technology cables (62%), phone chargers (46%) and computer accessories (44%).
“For many Americans, not knowing where to recycle is the top reason why they tend to hold onto old tech,” said Mike Sauchuk, Senior Director, Recycling and Sustainability at Staples US Retail. “However, more consumers express agreement that they intend to recycle an old technology product within the next six months.
In 2022, Staples introduced Free Tech Take Back, rewarding customers by offering $5 back in Staples Rewards for recycling in-store. Until 17, June, the company will double this to $10 for eligible items. During Earth Day weekend (22-23 April), clients also received 15% off their in-store purchases of $30 or more when they recycled in store.
Staples said that, to date, it has recycled more than 165 million lbs (75 million kg) of technology through in-store collections.
Framingham (MA), USA
