Samsung Criticized for Lack of Recycling Programs

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metal_mania.jpgThe Electronics TakeBack Coalition has launched a marketing campaign attacking Samsung for not taking environmental responsibility to recycle old electronics that may contain toxic metals, Media Post reports.

The campaign aims to make consumers aware of toxic metals used to manufacture TVs and other electronic devices before 2005, and to point consumers to the fact that Samsung has been spending millions on ad campaigns during the Olympic instead of funding a take-back program for potentially toxic components in older TVs.

The “Take Back My TV” campaign is on the coalition's site, Metal Mania; a spoof of Samsung's site Medal Mania. Both sites allow consumers to hunt for gold. But on the coalition's site, consumers find toxic metals mercury and cadmium instead of the gold and prizes found on Samsung's site.

In response Samsung said in a statement that it is piloting a TV take-back and recycling programs in 14 U.S. states, and that it also “has numerous take-back and recycle initiatives throughout the company.”

Samsung scored zero on climate change criteria in the 8th edition of “Guide to Greener Electronics” published by Greenpeace in June. But in the March edition of the guide, Samsung and Toshiba shared the top overall spot.

According to research from last summer, Samsung is perceived as one of the least green brands.

Environment + Energy Leader