Free E-Waste Collection makes Green for Retailers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) May 23, 2008 -- What do old computers have in common with green cleaning products and rechargeable batteries? Not much, unless you’re a savvy, forward thinking, green minded marketing executive looking for a great way to connect with your customers.

Thriftopia.com, a socially conscious electronics collection and reuse company has a new way for brand managers working to introduce environmentally friendly and environmentally preferable products to customers through the use of collection events.

“There’s a striking parallel between the customers who buy reusable devices such as water filters, environmentally preferable cleaning products, renewable energy, hybrid cars, and even ethanol and those who choose to recycle their electronics through us” says Patrick Hebert, co-founder and CEO of Thriftopia.com Ltd.

“I’m not prepared to discuss who we’ve been talking to about this yet but I will say that both mass merchants and specialty store management teams recognize that the customers who go into the store looking for non-toxic toilet bowl cleaners are the same people who are holding on to their computers waiting for a recycling option” he continued.

Patrick says the Thriftopia.com team has drafted a system for executing e-waste collection events to draw public attention to products which are also environmentally preferable for one of Canada’s leading mass merchants. “After a recent article in SolidWasteMag.com calling for corporate sponsors to support our efforts I was surprised by the immediate response. I was both shocked and excited to put something together for them. I invite other companies to take the initiative and do something positive for our planet and their customers by working with us on similar projects.”

The company plans to design, staff and execute e-waste collection events for corporate partners to support their efforts to prevent old devices from reaching landfills and keep people working.

Waste Electronics and Electrical Equipment or WEEE (also called e-waste) is a 50 million ton annual problem according to estimates published by the United Nations. It is also predicted to be the largest and fastest growing solid-waste stream worldwide and is particularly concerning due to the toxic contents of old electronic devices. Current problems with disposal of WEEE include several jurisdictions where landfill of e-waste is permitted, which may cause lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, PCBs, TCE, arsenic, and other highly toxic substances to contaminate nearby water and land. Other problems include the export of e-waste to poor countries where it is frequently incinerated, creating supertoxic dioxin and furans.

About Thriftopia.com

Thriftopia.com is committed to improving tomorrow by keeping resources working to benefit all people and the planet, while turning a profit. The company’s market includes consumers and businesses ranging from home-based small enterprises to Fortune 500 companies.

More information is available at www.thriftopia.com.

environment     free e-waste recycling     retail