RadioShack is among the many companies improving their environmental footprint and encouraging others to do the same. A particular interest this Earth Day season is reducing electronic waste and the prevention of a cradle to grave system, or rather, a consumer to landfill system. 

 

RadioShack is incentivizing consumers to recycle their used electronics by offering them money that can be used for new electronic purchases. While the program originated online, now more than 4000 stores are available to collect used electronics and upon return, customers can obtain a gift card in the value of the returned product.

However, a weakness of this program is that not all RadioShack products are eligible. Of course, any returned product must be from RadioShack originally and other eligible products include MP3 players, wireless telephones, video games, video game systems, navigation systems, cameras and video cameras. In order to receive credit for other items purchased from RadioShack like laptops and TVs, consumers must return the merchandise via the online system, which requires a bit more work from the customer.

Another weakness is that the returned electronic must be in good working condition. Environmentally, whether or not the electronic is working or not does not have any value once the device is rotting in a landfill contributing pollutants to the environment. I believe what RadioShack is trying to do is collect RadioShack electronics for recycling, but only give store credit for working products because a working electronic has market value. This program is particularly valuable for those consumers who need a nudge to change their end-of-life habits. It is also great for every family's techie who runs out to get the newest product before dust has settled on the previous edition sitting at home. And, in this economy, who doesn't mind a little cash back?