Apple has announced it is expanding its technology recycling program: beginning in June 2006, Apple will offer free recycling and disposal of old computers to U.S. customers who purchase a new Mac through the Apple online or retail stores. Apple says equipment received through the program will be recycled domestically without any hazardous materials being shipped overseas; according to Apple, more than 90 percent of electronic equipment it has collected since 2001 has been recycled.

<http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2006/apr/ 21takeback.html>
<http://www.apple.com/environment/recycling/>

Apple also announced that its iPod nano, iPod shuffle, and current fifth-generation iPod music players are fully compliant with upcoming restrictions on hazardous substances (RoHS) to be implemented in California, and in Europe on 01-Jul-06. The RoHS standards are being promoted as a global standard for environmental preservation, and restrict the use of hazardous substances such as cadmium, lead, hexavalent chromium, bromiated flame retardants, and mercury. Apple had previously come under fire from environmentalists because of the potential environmental impact of millions of iPods as owners discard older or malfunctioning units; Apple announced an iPod recycling program in June 2005.

<http://www.rohsdirective.com/>
<http://db.tidbits.com/article/08126>