Apple - Environment - Recycle - Frequently Asked Questions

Environmentally-friendly Mac products.

How do I qualify for Apple Free Recycling?
Purchase any Apple computer or Apple Cinema Display from Apple Telesales, the Apple Online Store or one of the Apple Retail Stores and you're eligible to recycle your old computer and monitor at no charge. You must register for recycling within three months of purchase date.

I live in remote Western Australia, will you collect my product?
Apple will collect product from capital cities and major regional centres only in Australia at this time. In remote locations, the environmental impact of vehicle emissions may outweigh the benefit of collection. In these instances Apple's recycling partner will keep your request on file and if other requests are received from customers in your area that will make a pick-up environmentally worthwhile, you will be contacted and a collection date scheduled. In some occurrences, recycling volumes may not be large enough to justify a recycling collection in which case no other service will be offered in lieu.

I bought my new Apple computer from an Apple Premium Reseller. Can I still recycle my old computer in the Apple Recycling Program?
No, only customers who purchased a new computer or monitor direct from Apple on 133-MAC, the Apple Online Store or one of the Apple Retail Stores are eligible to recycle their old equipment in this free-collection-with-purchase program. Apple supports other community-based recyling events where you can drop off your old equipment at no cost to you. Please check out these recycling events for further details.

How do I make arrangements to dispose of my old equipment?
To register your recycling request, click on the Register for Recycling tile and fill out the online form. You will be contacted by an Apple recycling representative to co-ordinate the collection.

Can I recycle my old computer at an Apple Retail Store?
No, Apple Retail Stores are not equipped as recycling drop-off sites. However, Apple supports other community-based recyling events where you can drop off your old equipment at no cost to you. Please check out these recycling events for further details.

What products can I recycle?
All computer equipment, computer related peripherals and monitors. All brands are welcome.

What products are not accepted through Apple's Recycling program?
Copiers, TVs, overheads, projectors, batteries not integral to computer systems, cracked or broken CRT monitors, UPS units, contaminated equipment of any kind or any other universal or hazardous waste prohibited by local, state or federal regulations will not be accepted.

How do I prepare my equipment for pick up?
After logging your request for recycling, an Apple recycling representative will contact you to discuss the best means of collection.

Do I have to clean off my data on my old computer?
Yes, before your equipment is collected for recycling, you should (a) back up or transfer any data prior to deletion; (b) delete data on the hard-disk drives and any other storage devices in the products; and (c) remove any removable media, such as diskettes, CDs or PC Cards. Apple has no responsibility for loss or confidentiality of customer data on recycled equipment.

I recycled my old computer and monitor through the Apple Free Recycling Program, but now I want it back.
Once the hardware has been picked up, Apple cannot return it to you. Participation in this program constitutes a relinquishment of all rights to the hardware and other computer materials sent to Apple.

Is there a minimum or maximum of how much equipment I can recycle?
Customers are eligible to recycle one computer, one monitor and related peripheral computer equipment with each qualifying purchase transaction. Requests for recycling more than this allowance will be considered on a case-by-case basis, which you can indicate on the recycling registration form.

How should I dispose of batteries in my portable computer?
Your battery can ship inside the unit. If you have an extra battery, please tape over the lead with electrical tape.

How is the product recycled?
Products are manually disassembled in Australia. Plastics, glass, cables and metals are separated so they can be further processed and refined and ultimately reused in manufacturing processes. The hard drive is physically destroyed in the recycling process. Products are not refurbished, on-sold or donated.

How long does the process take?
Apple's recycling partner will endeavor to complete all scheduled recycling pickups within one month of registration. However, we are mindful of the environmental cost of the transportation and logistics used in this recycling effort. Where volumes are low, recycling pickups will be combined to coincide with nearby customers, which may result in longer collection times in some areas.