Best Buy Sets New Recycling Goal, Enhancing Sustainability Efforts

By Megan Zielinski, contributing writer

Since the 2009 launch of Best Buy’s e-waste recycling service, the company has collected an astounding one billion pounds of unwanted electronics and large appliances by customers in 1,400 Best Buy locations nationwide. And now, the leading electronics retailer is setting the bar even higher—committed to recycle double that amount by 2020.

On September 18, Best Buy received recognition from Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton at their corporate office in Richfield, Minn. “Best Buy is an industry leader in helping consumers to recycle their old electronics,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “Their efforts are good for Minnesota’s environment and consumers.” Best Buy practices ethical and sustainable responsibilities from the storefront to the assembly line in warehouses, respecting the environment and all workers. The recycling program goes hand in hand with Best Buy’s ongoing commitment to sustainability—Best Buy offers top-of-the line energy-efficient products, enabling customers to save money while reducing their carbon footprint. U.S customers have purchased over 20 million ENERGY STAR certified products in fiscal year 2014, amounting to more than $76 million in total saved on energy bills, while removing enough carbon emissions that is equivalent to removing 98,000 vehicles from the road. All stores include lighting fixtures to reduce energy usage and carbon wastes have been reduced significantly at 10 percent, by replacing nearly 4,000 Geek Squad vehicles with smaller cars that take the most resourceful routes. Best Buy is dedicated to implementing cost-effective solutions to save energy and reduce carbon emissions in all U.S stores up to 20 percent by 2020.

Best Buy has created the largest recycling program in the world, recycling 409 lbs. for every minute the store is open, accumulating up to roughly 20 million products each year. Customers are given an incentive to trade-in gently used items, including cell phones, games, and laptops —in return for a Best Buy gift card worth the value of the product. Devices that are functional can be refurbished, while end-of-life items undergo data removal, proper toxic chemical removal, and are broken down into materials to be included into the formation of new products. As technology and devices continuously advances with each year—Best Buy anticipates to reach their set goal of keeping 2 billion lbs. of harmful waste out of our environment.