Recycling
Apple has long been an advocate of product stewardship, and we believe that this concept extends to the proper disposal of used electronic equipment.
A holistic view
Apple takes a holistic view of recycling and waste minimisation. We apply this philosophy from the outset, beginning in the design stage by creating compact, ultra-efficient products that use high-recycling-value materials wherever possible. We have instituted recycling programs in 95 percent of the countries where our products are sold- diverting over 24 million kilograms of equipment from landfills since 1994.
Global product take-back and recycling
In 2008, Apple recycled 30.5 million pounds of electronic waste, achieving a worldwide recycling rate of over 38% — our best ever. To calculate this rate, we use a simple measurement proposed by Dell that assumes a seven year product lifetime. The weight we recycle each year is compared to the total weight of the products Apple sold seven years earlier.
Our recycling total for 2008 represented a 47% increase over 2007. Apple not only beat its goal for last year, but we also surpassed our 2009 and 2010 goals, which were originally set in 2007. We are now committed to achieving an unprecedented recycling rate of 50% by 2010.
Apple maintains a variety of recycling programs, which add to recycling totals every day. In Australia, the Apple Recycling Program offers a free-collection-with-purchase service to customers who buy directly
from Apple, and Apple also participates in free community-based computer recycling events held in
several states.
We are committed to compliance with all applicable regulations and laws in this area, worldwide.
National recycling programs
Apple promotes an individually responsible approach to recyling through our own take-back programs. We now operate or participate in recycling programs in regions where more than 95 percent of Macs are sold.
