HP Recycled Over 110 Million Kilograms of Products in 2007; 50% more than in 2006

HP today announced it recycled over 110 million kilograms of hardware and print cartridges globally in the 2007 fiscal year – an increase of 50 percent on the previous year and the equivalent to almost 400 Airbus A380s.

HP also refurbished almost 29 million kilograms of hardware for resale or donation, increasing its annual reuse rate by 30 percent.

In 2007, HP surpassed its goal of recycling half a billion kilograms (1 billion pounds) of its products and is well on its way to reaching its new goal of recovering a cumulative weight of 0.9 billion kilograms (two billion pounds) of products by the end of 2010.

"HP set the most aggressive recycling goal in the IT industry and we're on track to meet it," said Pat Tiernan, vice president, Social and Environmental Responsibility, HP. "These results are indicative of HP's longstanding environmental commitment and its success in offering convenient and comprehensive recycling services around the world."

Highlights from HP’s recycling programmes in 2007 include:

• In Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), HP nearly doubled the amount it recycled to 77,111 metric tonnes (170 million pounds) of equipment.
• In the Americas region, HP recycled an estimated 29,484 metric tonnes (65 million pounds).
• In the Asia Pacific region, HP recycled 5,897 metric tonnes (13 million pounds).

In 2007, HP started direct take back events in Europe to increase reuse and recycling of electronic equipment. In the last year HP held more than 100 direct take back events across Europe where people were invited to return any brand of old IT equipment to HP.  Where possible, old equipment is refurbished and donated to charity or if it cannot be refurbished it gets recycled.

Research from the University of Vienna, commissioned by HP, has found that less than one percent of IT equipment at municipal waste sites can be reused. However, HP has found that this figure rises up to 50 percent when equipment is collected through direct take back events. In 2007, HP held events in the UK, Germany, France and Italy and in 2008 the company plans more events in more countries across Europe.

“There are several underlying reasons behind the disparity in these figures.  HP has found that people tend to store their old IT for a long time after they have purchased new replacement equipment,” explained Klaus Hieronymi, director, Environmental Business Management Organisation, HP EMEA. “This means that old equipment frequently gathers dust and becomes obsolete in attics, garages and cupboards. Take back events, often held in conjunction with charities, encourage people to bring along their old IT while it is still usable. These events also have the potential to provide jobs in refurbishment; provide affordable IT equipment for people who could otherwise not afford it and ensure that old equipment is properly treated.”

HP business customers are also included in HP’s drive to increase reuse of older equipment. The company´s refurbishment division remanufactured and resold more than 2.5 million units last year. 

Starting in 1987, HP’s recycling programme now operates in more than 50 countries, regions and territories. The programme seeks to reduce the environmental impact of IT products, minimise waste going to landfills, and help customers conveniently and responsibly manage products at their end of life.

For decades HP has worked to manage its environmental impact by adopting environmentally responsible practices in product development, operations and supply chain. The company strives to be a global leader in reducing its carbon footprint, limiting waste and recycling responsibly. More information about the company’s environmental programmes is available at www.hp.com/environment.

HP focuses on simplifying technology experiences for all of its customers – from individual consumers to the largest businesses. With a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure, HP is among the world’s largest IT companies, with revenue totaling $104.3 billion for the four fiscal quarters ended Oct. 31, 2007. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at www.hp.com.

© 2007 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
02/2008