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TMO at MWSF - Watchdog Group Targets Apple for Creating "iWaste" with iPod
by , 8:45 AM EST, January 12th, 2005
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- A group called the Computer TakeBack Campaign (CTBC) protested outside of Macworld Expo this week in San Francisco. The group's campaign is an attempt to pressure Apple Computer to take back obsolete computer equipment for recycling.
We initially encountered the group outside of Moscone Center, where Macworld is held. Outside, we saw a banner that appeared to be an iPod ad, but once we saw the text, "from iPod to iWaste, toxic trash, in your pocket," we sensed it wasn't an Apple ad.
Upon further inspection, we also saw a bin full of assorted older Macs, and a sign telling us that each of the video terminals in the bin contained from 4 to 8 pounds of lead.
The CTBC is a watchdog group that targets computer makers for creating massive toxic "iWaste" problem. In a press release, Ted Smith of Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition claims "With every hip new iPod comes toxic iWaste, which Apple denies as its problem."
According to the group, Apple takes back obsolete electronics in Japan, Europe, Taiwan and South Korea. CTBC claims his isn't being done because Apple is being a nice company, but rather because some countries have legislation which make companies responsible for the disposal of their products if they contain hazardous materials.
CTBC is campaigning to get Apple to do the same thing in the US.
While most Macworld attendees paid little attention to the protest, the group did have people talking to those on hand for the event.
An Apple spokesperson was unavailable for comment.
More information on the problem, proposed solutions, how to take action, information on applicable legislation and more can be found at the group's Web site.
Observer Comments
QuoteArticle wrote:
According to the group, Apple takes back obsolete electronics in Japan, Europe, Taiwan and South Korea. CTBC claims his isn't being done because Apple is being a nice company, but rather because some countries have legislation which make companies responsible for the disposal of their products if they contain hazardous materials.
CTBC is campaigning to get Apple to do the same thing in the US.
Maybe I should talk very slowly so this group gets the idea:
If they do it ... in other countries because the government ... forces them to ... then maybe you should be trying ... to get a similar law ... passed here in the US.
I mean how's that for logic? "They do A in other countries because of B, so to get them to do A in our country let's try C!"
Wed Jan 12, 2005 10:40 am Subject: duh, have they visited apple.com and searched for recycling?
^^
lol, yeah I didn't even ask the big question...why is it important that Apple actually do the recycling?
There's lots of places that do this, it's not like you CAN'T recycle your computer!
It's like being mad that McDonalds hire a company to haul their trash away...like, hey, they should carry it to the dump themselves! Or something...
I also noticed that this group couldn't manage to keep their web page up through the next day. Maybe they whole thing was a joke.
The problem of toxic computer waste is a pretty big one, as many have been improperly disposed of in the last few decades. I do think its misguided for these groups to specifically target apple, particularly when they represent a small fraction of the total junk computers out there. That said, if even a few dozen people saw this and decide to actually dispose of their busted iPod correctly instead of just tossing it in the trash, then this effort was probably worth it.
Also, America is currently controlled by perhaps the most pro-business government since before the Great Depression, as well as one that has a lackluster record on environmental issues. Add that to our general cultural reluctance to take any responsibility for the massive waste we produce, and the chances of us getting the type of legislation that would fix this drop to about zero.
Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:28 am Subject: Re: a big deal
QuoteDaiMac wrote:
Also, America is currently controlled by perhaps the most pro-business government since before the Great Depression, as well as one that has a lackluster record on environmental issues. Add that to our general cultural reluctance to take any responsibility for the massive waste we produce, and the chances of us getting the type of legislation that would fix this drop to about zero.
You're probably right about that. But there ARE ways to recycle computers, it would have been nice if this group had made large signs telling people how to do that.
But I guess that wasn't really important to them.
Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:41 am Subject: Look at me! Look at me!
It's funny that they are going after Apple considering their market share. Of course this group wants attention and Apple is a good way to get it. If it was any other manufacturer, nobody would be paying attention. Personally, I'm not sure if every company in the world should have to dispose of any product that they've ever sold, but obviously there should be some be easy ways for people to dispose of said wastes. As SWC said, there are already ways to get computer's recycled. Perhaps the issue is simply educating people? Of course that would mean empowering people to do the right thing themselves instead of having the government do it for them. How Republican of me.
Here in Belgium, the idea of recycling is just like second nature. Not only do we separate our rubbish, which is then collected separately according to type, but we can take stuff to centres, where different types of rubbish can be placed in various containers, with staff to help the sorting process. Computers, washing machines, and any other electrical equipment is catered for, as well as the more mundane building rubbish, glass, etc. No legislation, merely a question of information and education, supported by common sense. I believe we have something like a 90% rate of recycling of batteries here -- not bad at all.
Wed Jan 12, 2005 12:23 pm Subject: Why Just Apple?
Why are these people just targetting Apple? Why not Energizer? Rayovac? Duracell? Exide?
How about hitting on Rio and Creative for making players that require disposable batteries, which have a much greater impact on the environment?
The more I think about this, the more annoyed I get. Frankly, I don't know anyone who just pictches old hardware - I bet 95% of replaced iPods get tossed in drawers, put on eBay, passed down to family members. Would you just toss a $300 piece of hardware in the trash? Particularly when there's good resale value - even from "dead" ones?
This group has attacked Apple because of the success of the iPod - and battery disposal is a very serious issue. Unfortunately, they've got the message wrong.
Wed Jan 12, 2005 1:13 pm Subject: Picked the wrong company
Next year, Apple will introduce the Uranium PowerBook (PbU) made from recycled depleted uranium from tank killing shells found in the Iraqi desert. The PbU will survive falls of 200 feet and head on crashes of 60 mph. Perhaps a third party company can take all the lead this group collects and make lead briefcases to carry the PbU.
Wed Jan 12, 2005 4:44 pm Subject: You are under the impression...
This group has already worked to get Dell to improve their recycling efforts. When I worked at the Gateway Booth, the company's buyback/trade-in/recycle website was a feature I stressed, and much easier for the novice to find from the gateway site than any recycling program offered by Apple.
The "Freedom of choice" idea is fine for choosing between MP3/CD or DRM tunes, but it is nonsense in this case. I should not have the freedom to dump toxic chemicals in a landfill, any more than I should be able to dump my leaves and dog dung in your yard. Some things are too important to leave to
I agree with these folks. MacWorld is a good example of a high-profile demonstration sponsored by a computer company that is not as "Green" as much of it's competition. Even if Apple doesn't get the picture, the people attending the conference should be aware of what happens to the old systems they toss.
Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:55 pm Subject: Computer Take Back Legislation
maybe i should speak slowly to this person:
if you ...go to ...the website...and actually read it...you will see the pages...regarding legislation........
the Compaign is working on legislation in several states....In fact, there's even a map where you can click on your state and see if there is a bill.
However, even when legislation is pending, large corporations do happen to have some sway with legislators in the US...Therefore, if you target the companies and get them to support the policy/objectives of the campaign and get the companies to support legislative efforts, then you will have much greater suceess passing the laws...
Get it?
QuoteSmall White Car wrote:QuoteArticle wrote:
According to the group, Apple takes back obsolete electronics in Japan, Europe, Taiwan and South Korea. CTBC claims his isn't being done because Apple is being a nice company, but rather because some countries have legislation which make companies responsible for the disposal of their products if they contain hazardous materials.
CTBC is campaigning to get Apple to do the same thing in the US.
Maybe I should talk very slowly so this group gets the idea:
If they do it ... in other countries because the government ... forces them to ... then maybe you should be trying ... to get a similar law ... passed here in the US.
I mean how's that for logic? "They do A in other countries because of B, so to get them to do A in our country let's try C!"
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