ATM pays out credit for unwanted gadgets
Recycle and spend
Recycling your old mobile phone, compact camera, MP3 player or even external storage device could soon become much easier - and more rewarding - following the installation of a gadget-recycling ATM in North America.
Eco ATM: makes recycling gadgets rewarding
Eco ATM spits out usable credit for local shops in return for your unwanted tech.
The first Eco ATM was installed in a furniture store in Nebraska late last month and, although it currently only accepts mobile phones, the firm behind the unit said the ATM can also support a wider variety of gadgets.
Users simply place their gadget into a slot on the ATM’s front, after which cameras are used to analyse the device's condition, searching for body cracks, dings and the like, in order to determine its value.
Although Eco ATM won’t spurt out cash for your old phone, it will offer you money off something in the store it’s installed in or let you choose from an array of gift cards.
And if your gadget’s not worth anything, the machine will still recycle it on your behalf.
More Eco ATMs are planned for stores in San Diego, Boston, Dallas and Seattle. Plans haven’t been announced to install Eco ATMs in the UK. ®
COMMENTS
@adieoguy
"many people return later in the day with a bag of old phones they want to recycle"
Does the bag have swag written on the side?
mines the one without a mobile in the pocket
@Brutus and adiegoguy
Brutus:
As for our larcenous nature I present you evidence item 1) Your cell phone I nicked off you at the gas station. Oops I just put it in the bin :)
As for you adiegoguy:
Why do I detect a load of BS in your statement? Dont get me wrong, locking the item in the bin just makes sense. As for the fair market value who decides that you or the company? Fair market value can be anything you want it to be. As for the biometrics you have a mule do it for you. Boom done, and not everyone has a drivers license. Nor does it have to be legit.
The Facts about ecoATM
I work for ecoATM and we pay fair market value for the phones. Most customers are very happy with the value they get. In fact, many people return later in the day with a bag of old phones they want to recycle. Plus we plant a tree for each phones turned in.
The kiosk has a full package of biometrics on board. We can capture a photo, fingerprint, drivers license and signature. This was done to prevent theifs from selling back electronics and to comply with various pawnshop laws in different states. Also, the machine locks your phone in the inspection bin so you can't remove it unless you cancel the process.
The Original Ash- we have been receiving for very current phones that are still sold today... iphones, htc touch pro/diamond, bb 8330s etc.
I'm shocked and surprised
at the commentards' larcenous natures (not)! Half of the posts at the time of writing discussing the potential for fencing stolen phones.
