Micro Center builds out electronics recycling/reuse program
A national retailer of computers and consumer electronics is introducing two new sustainability initiatives.
Micro Center is launching a recycling program for electronics to reduce e-waste, allowing customers to bring devices to their local store for disposal. The company is also partnering with non-profit organization Compudopt for donating used desktops and laptops to underserved communities.
Customers can begin the process of recycling or donating used electronics by visiting the "Knowledge Bar" section inside a Micro Center store and talking to an associate.
More details of each program follow.
Electronics recycling
The Micro Center electronics recycling program lets consumers dispose of old electronics, including computers, TVs, mobile phones, computer components and peripherals, and smart home and networking gear.
Devices that are recycled by Micro Center have components such as metals and plastics repurposed, helping keep hazardous materials out of landfills.
Compudpot partnership
In collaboration with Compudopt, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization providing access to technology and educational opportunities to under-resourced youth and communities, Micro Center customers can donate used laptops and desktops to be refurbished and distributed to communities in need.
"At Micro Center, we are dedicated to minimizing the environmental impact of technology," said Brad Kramer, CFO and co-COO at Micro Center. "Our recycling plan and our partnership with Compudopt are both natural extensions of our mission to foster sustainability, while also supporting those who lack access to digital tools."
These new initiatives follow the January 2024 rollout of Micro Center’s GPU Trade-In Program. Customers can trade in their functional GPUs, which are circuits that render graphics using high-speed calculations, originally purchased at Micro Center for immediate in-store credit.
Micro Center will refurbish these units for resale or collaborate with certified recycling partners for proper disposal. The retailer says this extends the product's lifecycle and is in line with its ongoing commitment to sustainability.
"Our goal at Micro Center goes beyond just providing technology," said Rick Mershad, CEO of Micro Center. "By combining recycling with opportunities to donate, we're offering convenient and responsible end-of-life options, making it easier than ever for customers to recycle or donate their equipment."
[READ MORE: The benefits of take-back programs are…]
Micro Center operates 28 large computer and electronics stores in major markets nationwide. Founded in 1979 in Columbus, Micro Center operates in Atlanta (2), Baltimore, Boston, Chicago (2), Cincinnati, Charlotte, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York (5), Philadelphia, St. Louis, Washington, D.C. (2), with more stores, including Santa Clara, Calif., coming soon.
