[dunham]

This is how it worked with Sun Microsystems parts back in the day. You'd put in an order, they'd send the replacement with a return label for the original. I presumed they did testing and maybe refurbished the parts, but no idea what actually happened with them.

For phone and computer batteries, it would be kinda nice. After going through ifixit, I've now got a pile of old lithium batteries that I have to figure out how to get rid of.

[NickRandom]

In the EU there is the WEEE directive (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive for those snickering in the back of the class!) which states this -

Distributor obligations - All distributors must: Offer free take back on WEEE; Accept WEEE for free from customers supplied with like-for-like products, regardless of whether this is done in store, online or by mail order

(You're Seattle based so not applicable in your circumstances)

[Source https://www.gov.uk/guidance/regulations-waste-electrical-and...]

[sschueller]

Yep, Switzerland has this too. There is a small tax an every electronic item you buy and you can return it to any other electronics retailer for free. We used to dump old server hardware at the Apple store because it was closest. :)

[fy20]

My supermarket has a recycling box where you can dump old electronics and batteries.

[brewdad]

My local Home Depot takes lithium batteries now. There was a limit on the number they would take at a time though.

[_carbyau_]

:-) Nitpick: perhaps GOV.UK is not a source of truth for EU directives anymore..

[mike_d]

You'll be surprised to learn that the UK still participates in quite a few EU schemes. Europol for example, the UK helps drive policy and is still a founding member.

[_carbyau_]

That does surprise me. :-) Thank you.

[joecool1029]

> I've now got a pile of old lithium batteries that I have to figure out how to get rid of.

Home Depot has bins just inside their stores and accept lithium and usually even nicad batteries. Other recycling locators located on the EPA information page: https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-lithium-ion-batteries

[dunham]

Thanks. I've taken CFLs there in the distant past, but didn't know they took lithium batteries.

[IfOnlyYouKnew]

Apple has a specific program to recycle used iPhones. There's a video floating around somewhere on their site about some robot they built for the task. I'm fairly certain they'll take your used Apple hardware for free at any store worldwide and might even do a better job recycling it than a generic deposit (although those may just pass it on to them anyway).

This program–the deposit–is strictly about increasing recycling quotas. They do have a refurb program but they'll actually pay you for hardware that can be used for that.

[mechanical_bear]

My local Best Buy has a bin in the foyer where they accept E-waste.