An overview of IBM product takeback programs: "considerations for commercial and consumer computer returns"

This paper documents IBM's experiences in its efforts to offer coordinated worldwide product takeback (PTB) services. The extensive range of activities performed by the existing large network of IBM(R) refurbishment, reutilization, and recycling centers (>30) associated with product end-of-life management (PELM) are described and related to return logistic models covering various geographies and legislative climates. Recently, there has been increased emphasis by IBM on offering a PTB program that individual consumers as well as businesses of all sizes could use to conveniently recycle computer hardware in the US. The elements of this program are reviewed. More importantly perhaps, though this offering has been well received by customers and the media, a broader industry based solution needs to be pursued to make PTB more cost effective and universally acceptable. To this end, alternatives and factors that need to be examined collectively by the IT industry, municipalities, and electronic recyclers are proposed for consideration.