I think what we're seeing here is the leading edge of the computer / consumer electronics manufacturers getting into the game based on the years-old law in California that essentially forces their hand.
Apple will take back up to 60 lbs of your ewaste for $30 if you haven't recently bought a Mac. That includes shipping, even from Hawaii, but you have to supply the box. Periodically they have a "just bring it all" campaign (likely so they can get the 'weight' needed to stay in compliance with the California law), and this too works in Hawaii. This is a "consumer" program, though Apple also has an "Enterprise" program as well. Yes, I believe that the USPS one will rapidly expand to all 50 states. I doubt they send the circuit board back. though they likely can't use it, either. Some of these programs were already known, but I found the USPS one surprising in its scope. Even the least tech-savvy person can typically find the local Post Office. Meanwhile, various people are sniping at me because I want to change the direction of HOSEF *away* from eWaste recycling, and back to something focused on Free and Open Source. I think that the Computer / CE manufacturers will shortly overrun the 'market' for such services, based on the California law alone. This makes the 'viability' of HOSEF based on eWaste recycling short-term at- best. Scott has thrown up a lot of smokescreen on this front, claiming that HOSEF can't change its "sustaining activity" or the IRS will revoke HOSEF's 501(c)3 status (It won't, and I've shown how its easy to do.) Meanwhile, Scott has acted to incumber HOSEF, often without board oversight prior to the decision being made. For those of you who don't know, Scott recently added a 'storefront' for selling recycled computers in an Ewa Beach auto parts store. The board has *no* idea what the terms of that relationship are, nor has Scott chosen to respond to board inquiries on this, or other matters. There is a lot I could say here about HOSEF matters but this is the LUAU list. I can't post this discussion to hosef-managers, because Scott has erected himself as "moderator" of that list, and has already chosen to reject messages at his whim. _______________________________________________ LUAU@lists.hosef.org mailing list http://lists.hosef.org/listinfo.cgi/luau-hosef.org