Sony’s Takeback Program

Details on Sony’s Takeback Program

Who can get free recycling from Sony?	The TV recycling program is available only to consumers. The other programs can be used by anyone.
How do I know if Sony will handle my e-waste responsibly?	Policy: Sony has signed our “Manufacturer’s Commitment to Responsible E-Waste Recycling,” which says that they will not export their e-waste from the U.S. to developing countries. This is a very strong policy. Proof: How can you tell if they are living up to this policy? The only way we can know whether a company’s recycling vendors are actually adhering to a responsible policy is through certified audits and transparent reporting. The recyclers should be certified under an independent accredited program, using third party auditors, as adhering to high standards, such as the e-Stewards program.
Does Sony use recyclers who are e-Stewards? Learn more about e-Stewards	Sony works with the following recyclers, but none of them are certified to the new e-Stewards standard. Recycler for TV and large product drop off program: Waste Management Recycler for mail back and Green Fill program: Eco International Recycler for trade-in program: Sony contracts the trade-in program to Market Velocity. Market Velocity does not disclose its recycling vendors. It’s website makes the following statement: “Products that no longer have a trade-in value are recycled responsibility according to the latest guidelines published by the EPA.” Unfortunately, the EPA has very few guidelines about recycling, so this is a very weak statement.
Free TV recycling from Sony	Sony was the first TV company in the US to offer free TV takeback. Sony has partnered with Waste Management’s Recycle America program to offer free takeback of their old products. Sony will accept any product with Sony’s name on it for free at these collection sites. They will take other brands for a fee. Consumers must take their TVs or other large Sony products to a designated collection site, run by Waste Management, Sony’s vendor. You can use this site to enter your zip code and find the closest site to you, except if you live in MA or WA, see below. Sony had been expanding its collection system, but recently it has reduced the number of sites. We are hopeful that they will be expanding their network soon. Or if you purchase a Sony TV from Sony Style and get their premiere in-home delivery service, they will remove and recycle your old TV (any brand) for free (except Alaska and Hawaii).
Residents of ME and WA	If you live in Maine or Washington State, Sony’s location list doesn’t show all the options available to you. (There are shared collection sites, not specific to Sony, that don’t show up on Sony’s website.) Use these links: Washington Collection Sites Maine Sites – Here’s a list of all the Maine municipal collection sites (opens an excel sheet) although some charge fees.
Free recycling of smaller Sony products (and other brands)	Sony has a different program for small electronics (although you can take small Sony products to the same sites above that take TVs.) Sony has installed “GreenFill” collection boxes in retail stores across the country, where you can take your small electronics (any brand, not just Sony) for free recycling. They accept cameras, camcorders, cordless phones, cell phones, PDAs, game devices, digital picture frames, GPS, recorders and microphones, small laptops, alarm clocks and small audio, rechargeable batteries. Go here to see if there is a GreenFill collection box near you.
Sony Trade-in program – money back for old computers if you buy a Sony computer.	Sony also has a “trade-in” program, so if you are buying a new Sony computer you may be able to get trade-in value from an old desktop or laptop computer (any brand). Learn more here. This program is run by a separate vendor, called Market Velocity. Their Trade-In FAQs are helpful.
Mail back options for some states (with takeback laws)	Residents of TX, WV, OK, RI, VA, NC, HI - Sony offers mail back computer recycling in some states, which require manufacturer takeback programs by law. Learn about Sony’s ECO Mail Back Program in TX, WV, OK, RI, VA, NC, and HI.
Link for more details	Sony recycling website Sony trade-in website