In recent news, Best Buy has implemented a fee to receive CRT monitors and TVs as well as flat panel screens. The $25 fee may seem small in the grand scheme of things but it feels a little disingenuous too charge people for being ecologically conscious. Half of US states have no take back or reclamation laws in place. This opens the door for corporate entities to do whatever they choose with these type of programs.
My speculation is that most people will find this fee too high and just throw the device away instead of making the effort to properly dispose of it. This is an example of a company being a bigger problem than the solution. By putting this barrier in place, it is a disincentive for the consumer to even bother. The real benefit immediately is to the manufacturer. I would think that tax credits and other tax benefitable losses created would be enough of a direct incentive for a change in practice.
Sadly, this shows the lack of progress in the consumer market, at least from the position of the retailer. Best Buy is one of the few with an active collection system, whereas companies like Amazon and Walmart do nothing of any real value. Staples and Office Depot have programs similar to Best Buy and are at least making efforts but they seem too little with a pay wall in place. Share your thoughts and let's discuss possible alternatives and ways to remedy this.
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