Best Buy Launches Mail-In Recycling for Used Electronics

Best Buy is extending its gadget recycling program to include a new mail-in option. The retailer will now sell you a box for your used electronics that you can ship back for recycling, saving a trip to the store. Best Buy says it’s recycled 2.7 billion pounds of electronics and appliances through its existing programs, describing itself as the U.S.’ “largest retail collector of e-waste.” The program lets you order a box in one of two sizes: a $23 small (9 x 5 x 3 inches) one for e-waste weighing up to 6 pounds and a $30 medium (18 x 14 x 4 inches) one supporting up to 15 pounds. After receiving it, you can pack in as many (approved) devices as you can fit, as long as they stay under the weight limit. Then, you can either take them to a UPS drop-off point or schedule a UPS pickup.

Total Retail's Take: As retailers such as Best Buy ramp up their efforts to be environmentally sustainable, they're primarily doing so for a couple of reasons: one, to be more socially conscious organizations that are making a positive difference in the world and, two, to position their business and products to be more appealing to consumers that are increasingly making purchase decisions based on a brand's values. Doing good for the world can translate to doing good for your business.

What retailers need to caution against is greenwashing — conveying a false impression or misleading information about how a company’s products and/or processes are environmentally sound. The key for retailers is to be authentic and truly commit to their sustainability initiatives and associated goals. In this example from Best Buy, the mail-in program is an extension of the retailer's free in-store recycling program, launched in 2009. This is a program built on the trust of customers, and should be well received for giving consumers another option for recycling their used electronics.