Comments on: The Costco Trade-In and Recycle Program for Old Electronics http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/ personal finance that makes cents Sun, 08 Nov 2009 11:43:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 hourly 1 By: Gerry Mitchell http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-141248 Gerry Mitchell Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:43:29 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-141248 We are a nonprofit organization, all volunteer that reuses, rebuilds, and then as a last resort recycles. We generally charge for TVs/Monitors/ and some printers. It costs substantial amount to recycle CRT glass. Costco uses Greensite, however they also work with local organizations to keep electronics recycling loca. We are a nonprofit organization, all volunteer that reuses, rebuilds, and then as a last resort recycles. We generally charge for TVs/Monitors/ and some printers. It costs substantial amount to recycle CRT glass. Costco uses Greensite, however they also work with local organizations to keep electronics recycling loca.

]]> By: john http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-128564 john Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:53:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-128564 Wow the trade in values are not just low, they are a joke. You can pick the highest processor, and the trade in value shows zero, if hard drive present is set to No. But if you change hard drive present to yes, then you get a whopping $60, lol. Your better off selling on your own for $100. You get more $ and make someone happy, and it stays out of the landfills. Wow the trade in values are not just low, they are a joke. You can pick the highest processor, and the trade in value shows zero, if hard drive present is set to No. But if you change hard drive present to yes, then you get a whopping $60, lol. Your better off selling on your own for $100. You get more $ and make someone happy, and it stays out of the landfills.

]]> By: Chris http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-112349 Chris Tue, 15 Jan 2008 23:17:08 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-112349 This is a win for the consumer who wants some quick and easy store credit, while avoiding adding more junk to the trash. This is a win for the consumer who wants some quick and easy store credit, while avoiding adding more junk to the trash.

]]> By: Computer Consultants Secrets Blog http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-105535 Computer Consultants Secrets Blog Sun, 18 Nov 2007 18:32:13 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-105535 As someone that provides a lot of advice to computer consultants working with small businesses and small businesses trying to better manage their technology assets, I’ve spent some time looking into PC recycling programs. It’s unfortunate that technology loses value so quickly, but it’s just a fact of life in business that every time you have to upgrade your systems, you’re going to have to find a way to “get rid of” the ones you’re not using anymore. Computer recycling programs can be a really good way to do this, since you’re most likely not going to get much cash value out of them. Because some recycling programs and charities can end up costing money for the typical small business owner to use, it seems like The Costco program (if it’s indeed as easy as it sounds) would definitely be something to look into for those that don’t have a lot of extra budget dollars or time to spend worrying about disassembling parts and getting outdated technology ready to take responsibly to the right place. As someone that provides a lot of advice to computer consultants working with small businesses and small businesses trying to better manage their technology assets, I’ve spent some time looking into PC recycling programs. It’s unfortunate that technology loses value so quickly, but it’s just a fact of life in business that every time you have to upgrade your systems, you’re going to have to find a way to “get rid of” the ones you’re not using anymore. Computer recycling programs can be a really good way to do this, since you’re most likely not going to get much cash value out of them. Because some recycling programs and charities can end up costing money for the typical small business owner to use, it seems like The Costco program (if it’s indeed as easy as it sounds) would definitely be something to look into for those that don’t have a lot of extra budget dollars or time to spend worrying about disassembling parts and getting outdated technology ready to take responsibly to the right place.

]]> By: Joseph http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-105188 Joseph Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:43:50 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-105188 Data Doctors, if you have those where you live, will take all electronics, no charge. They'll even give you a tax receipt. Though I'm not sure what they do with it...? Data Doctors, if you have those where you live, will take all electronics, no charge. They’ll even give you a tax receipt. Though I’m not sure what they do with it…?

]]> By: Weekly Wrap-Up: What people spend on food, retroactive late fees and computer recycling « Cheap Like Me http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-104180 Weekly Wrap-Up: What people spend on food, retroactive late fees and computer recycling « Cheap Like Me Fri, 09 Nov 2007 23:08:32 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-104180 [...] And the same blog this week published a piece about Costco recycling electronic components. It’s an interesting read: http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electro... [...] [...] And the same blog this week published a piece about Costco recycling electronic components. It’s an interesting read: http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electro... [...]

]]> By: Jason http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-104026 Jason Thu, 08 Nov 2007 18:01:57 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-104026 There are local recyclers that will take common PC components for free. I found this place in my local area and it was pretty painless to drop stuff off. http://www.classiccomputerrecovery.com/dropoffs.htm There are local recyclers that will take common PC components for free. I found this place in my local area and it was pretty painless to drop stuff off.
http://www.classiccomputerrecovery.com/dropoffs.htm

]]> By: Brandon Barkley http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103871 Brandon Barkley Wed, 07 Nov 2007 13:54:23 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103871 Paying to recycle. That is rough. My roommate took a load of computer components to the landfill once. I assumed they were going to be recycled, but now that I consider it maybe they weren't... Oh well, I mostly just wanted to say that I would not pay to recycle. Paying to recycle. That is rough. My roommate took a load of computer components to the landfill once. I assumed they were going to be recycled, but now that I consider it maybe they weren’t…

Oh well, I mostly just wanted to say that I would not pay to recycle.

]]> By: John Egan http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103830 John Egan Wed, 07 Nov 2007 01:06:19 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103830 On the subject of Costco... if you ever feel the urge to buy an extended warranty and can find the product at Costco, keep this in mind: Costco’s New Return Policy You knew it was going to happen, especially if you read about some of the abuses committed by commenters in my post about how incredible the former Costco return policy was. Well, Costco this week announced (Consumerist broke it, at least to me) that they were going to be adjusting the policy to a 90-day electronics returns policy on D24 categories (their categories) televisions, computers, cameras, camcorders, iPod/MP3 players, and cellular phones. This only applies to purchases made after the roll out date (explained below). Concierge & Warranty Extension One cool thing out of this is that I didn’t know was that Costco extends a manufacturer’s warranty on televisions and computers to 2 years from date of purchase and that they offer free technical support on their Costco Concierge Technical Support line available at 1-866-861-0450. Roll Out Date The policy is being rolled out starting 2/26 and ending 4/2 so if you make a purchase before the official roll out date you are grandfathered into the existing return policy. The dates are: * California - 2/26/07 * Remaining West Coast incl. NW, LA, SD - 3/12/07 * MW and TX - 3/19/07 * NE - 3/26/07 * SE and PR - 4/2/07 On the subject of Costco… if you ever feel the urge to buy an extended warranty and can find the product at Costco, keep this in mind:

Costco’s New Return Policy

You knew it was going to happen, especially if you read about some of the abuses committed by commenters in my post about how incredible the former Costco return policy was. Well, Costco this week announced (Consumerist broke it, at least to me) that they were going to be adjusting the policy to a 90-day electronics returns policy on D24 categories (their categories) televisions, computers, cameras, camcorders, iPod/MP3 players, and cellular phones. This only applies to purchases made after the roll out date (explained below).

Concierge & Warranty Extension
One cool thing out of this is that I didn’t know was that Costco extends a manufacturer’s warranty on televisions and computers to 2 years from date of purchase and that they offer free technical support on their Costco Concierge Technical Support line available at 1-866-861-0450.

Roll Out Date
The policy is being rolled out starting 2/26 and ending 4/2 so if you make a purchase before the official roll out date you are grandfathered into the existing return policy. The dates are:

* California - 2/26/07
* Remaining West Coast incl. NW, LA, SD - 3/12/07
* MW and TX - 3/19/07
* NE - 3/26/07
* SE and PR - 4/2/07

]]> By: kevin http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103828 kevin Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:08:04 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103828 This sounds awesome, exactly what I need. Thanks! Re: exporting: "GreenSight conforms to a "Zero Landfill/No Export" Policy by working with only ISO 14001 certified partners who recycle and refine these materials for remanufacturing into new products." This sounds awesome, exactly what I need. Thanks!

Re: exporting:
“GreenSight conforms to a “Zero Landfill/No Export” Policy by working with only ISO 14001 certified partners who recycle and refine these materials for remanufacturing into new products.”

]]> By: 60 in 3 - Fitness and Health http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103826 60 in 3 - Fitness and Health Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:16 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103826 I usually like to give my old electronics to charities. There are a few in the bay area that take old electronics and refurbish them for sale or give aways. I get the tax write off for almost full value, while the charities get resources they wouldn't otherwise have. I usually like to give my old electronics to charities. There are a few in the bay area that take old electronics and refurbish them for sale or give aways. I get the tax write off for almost full value, while the charities get resources they wouldn’t otherwise have.

]]> By: J.D. http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103824 J.D. Tue, 06 Nov 2007 23:32:52 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103824 A Costco membership is <i>not</i> required. A Costco membership is not required.

]]> By: Kjell http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103823 Kjell Tue, 06 Nov 2007 23:29:24 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103823 is a Costco membership required? is a Costco membership required?

]]> By: Nick http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103822 Nick Tue, 06 Nov 2007 23:25:50 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103822 re: computer consulting I am just getting started doing this. How about a post with some tax and finance tips for the working-at-home 1099 contractor? Sometimes it seems like the tax laws are so narrow I can't take any of the deductions for businesses! re: computer consulting

I am just getting started doing this. How about a post with some tax and finance tips for the working-at-home 1099 contractor? Sometimes it seems like the tax laws are so narrow I can’t take any of the deductions for businesses!

]]> By: Brock Tice http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103818 Brock Tice Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:58:49 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103818 I second what Seth said -- computer recycling is typically done by hand as you quoted above, but it's done in places like rural China. The process involves paying a bunch of poor peasants to melt the solder out (often letting it run into nearby rivers or whatever, and poisoning the workers) and having them pull out the reusable components. There's no good, safe, low-cost way to get rid of the stuff at the moment. I second what Seth said — computer recycling is typically done by hand as you quoted above, but it’s done in places like rural China. The process involves paying a bunch of poor peasants to melt the solder out (often letting it run into nearby rivers or whatever, and poisoning the workers) and having them pull out the reusable components.

There’s no good, safe, low-cost way to get rid of the stuff at the moment.

]]> By: Seth http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103815 Seth Tue, 06 Nov 2007 22:07:32 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103815 I would advise people to be wary of electronics recyclers. This one sounds good, but may be worth some investigating. Many of them have been known to simply ship the stuff off to Nigeria, China, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Cambodia, and the Ivory Coast. This is a link to a press release by the Basel Action Network, a Washington State based 501(c)3 dedicated to the environmental and economic consequences of the toxic trade. They discuss computer "recyclers" in this article. http://ban.org/ban_news/2007/070912_warning.html I would advise people to be wary of electronics recyclers. This one sounds good, but may be worth some investigating. Many of them have been known to simply ship the stuff off to Nigeria, China, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Cambodia, and the Ivory Coast.

This is a link to a press release by the Basel Action Network, a Washington State based 501(c)3 dedicated to the environmental and economic consequences of the toxic trade. They discuss computer “recyclers” in this article.
http://ban.org/ban_news/2007/070912_warning.html

]]> By: Money Blue Book http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103814 Money Blue Book Tue, 06 Nov 2007 21:23:36 +0000 http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2007/11/06/the-costco-trade-in-and-recycle-program-for-old-electronics/#comment-103814 It's amazing today how fast expensive computer products go from top of the line to junk in a matter of less than a year. I think my brother can use the Costco recycle program. He has way too many old computer parts lying around. -Raymond It’s amazing today how fast expensive computer products go from top of the line to junk in a matter of less than a year.

I think my brother can use the Costco recycle program. He has way too many old computer parts lying around.

-Raymond

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