Technology Companies Push Indian E-Waste Recycling Programs

Published December 30, 2008

As a result of increasing pressure and environmental awareness, technology companies have initiated an effort to encourage eco-friendly electronic waste disposal in India.

Nokia has installed take-back bins in 650 locations across the country, while Motorola offers recycling in nine centers.

Desktop and laptop manufacturers have also gotten in on the act. HP has a trade-in program that promises cash payments to customers, and Wipro offers an e-waste disposal service.

Dell takes a different approach—the company's program offsets greenhouse gases used in production with investments in renewable energy.

The drive for eco-friendly e-waste disposal isn't limited to India. Seventeen states in the US have statewide e-waste recycling programs, and sixteen require manufacturers to pay for recycling. Companies such as Dell, Lenovo, Sony, LG, and Samsung also offer free take-back programs throughout the country.

Despite these efforts, take-back programs don't always work. As one Indian Nokia executive notes, 500,000 people walk through Nokia stores each month, but almost no one puts their old phones in the in-store recycling bins.

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