Best Buy hits billion-pound recycling, aims for more

Best Buy hopes to double its collection of unwanted electronics and appliances from consumers.

The retailer says it has recycled 1 billion pounds of electronics and appliances since 2009. And now it's looking to collect 2 billion pounds more by 2020.

"TVs are far and away the most popular product that comes in," said Scott Weislow, senior director of environmental services for the Richfield-based electronics retailer. "Phones, laptop computers — we have grown on average 20 percent year over year."

The retailer's Minnesota stores are tops in recycling, beating out stores in far more populous states.

Best Buy accepts nearly all electronics and large appliances at no charge, yet the program basically breaks even, as valuable materials like gold turn up in e-waste. It's also paid by some electronics manufacturers for helping them meet government recycling mandates.

The retailer will be ramping up advertising and other efforts to make consumers aware that Best Buy accepts nearly all electronics and large appliances at no charge.

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