Apple Launches Free Computer Recycling Program

Apr. 27 (KGO) -- Apple Computers record on how it disposes of or recycles its old computers has once again become a shareholder issue.

At a Cupertino meeting, Steve Jobs came prepared with a new plan and even his critics gave him some mild applause.

The Wilson's are long time Apple shareholders. They drive a hybrid and understand the push at Thursday's stockholder meeting to reduce electronic waste.

Our cameras were not allowed in the meeting or on company property.

Weldon Wilson, Apple shareholder: "The call for more recycling was appropriate. It's certainly popular now and needed."

The EPA estimates 220 million tons of old computers and tech hardware are trashed each year.

Despite its progressive image, some environmental groups accuse Apple of having one of the worst recycling records in the PC industry.

Starting on June 1st however, Apple is launching a free computer take-back program. Anyone who buys a new Mac will have their old PC recycled for free.

Robin Schneider, computer recycling advocate: "That's a great first step. We were here to applaud him for that but we need to make sure it's a program customers know about and are using."

Steve Jobs told his environmental critics he appreciated the tone at this year's shareholder meeting and also expressed some frustration.

Jobs went on the offensive, touting Apple's aggressive move to flat panel displays. He told the crowd "getting rid of cathode-ray tubes dwarfs any recycling program."

The executive director of a Bay Area environmental watchdog group, As You Sow, is not satisfied.

Larry Fahn says Apple is shortchanging the role of recycling both from an environmental and business perspective.

Larry Fahn, As You Sow: "They're lagging behind in the field against their major competitors like Dell and HP. We've shown and other companies have shown that by doing more recycling they can actually make more money and draw more people into their stores."

That theory could be tested in a few months as Apple takes a bigger step into the recycling arena.

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