Recycle your iPod

Discounts for greens

Apple US is offering ten per cent discounts to people who bring in their old iPods for recycling when they buy a new one. US customers can take any iPod into one of 100 Apple stores to get 10 per cent off if they buy a new iPod the same day.

Environmentalists have criticised the electronics giant for its poor recycling policy. The Computer TakeBack Campaign called on Apple to provide free recycling of all its products.

Robin Schneider, vice chair of the Computer TakeBack campaign, welcomed the change but said: "The Computer TakeBack Campaign is glad that Apple is finally listening to us and to their American consumers and taking responsibility for some of their iWaste. Now, Apple needs to agree to take back its whole range of products and to offer free and convenient takeback to consumers that don't live near Apple stores."

A spokeswoman for Apple UK was unable to tell us if the program would be extended to Europe.

In other news last week Apple agreed to settle a class action suit brought by iPod owners unhappy with battery performance. The agreement covers iPods sold up until May 2004. Unhappy punters, who've still got a receipt, are entitled to a $50 voucher against future Apple purchases. The deal should get final approval in August. ®

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