[bombcar]

Since they offer the EDU discount they might as well offer a blanket “it boots get $100 off” deal for returned machines.

Though the cost of responsibly recycle and dispose of an old computer might make the $0 offer actually a decent one.

[roryirvine]

They already do that in the UK https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/trade-in

Google do similar, as do most electronics retailers.

Is that not not a thing in the US? Perhaps it ought to be.

[bombcar]

Only in some areas, and only voluntarily (perhaps except for CA) - Apple will take a computer I believe, but sometimes you get $0 'value' from it.

If they offer even anything, you'll get a lot more pickup - everyone will learn "get a discount at the Apple Store if you bring in an old PC" and reduce the amount of electronic waste.

However, done too well or for too much, and you could greatly reduce the availability of older still-working machines.

[jonhohle]

If they’re recycling it, what does it matter if it boots? The aluminum is worth nothing? I’m sure there’s bits of gold and other things.

[bombcar]

It could be a low bar for "you can't bring in a destroyed remains of a Mac Classic and get the discount" - but actually, allowing that would be a net good for the world, and wouldn't cost more than the (easily gamed) EDU discount anyway.