Sony Electronics Launches Latest E-Recycling Initiative GreenFill

 Company is the First Electronics Manufacturer to Offer Free E-Recycling Through Drop Boxes at Retail Locations

SAN DIEGO, April 22, 2009 – In conjunction with Earth Day and to further encourage consumers to dispose of old or unwanted electronics in an environmentally safe manner, Sony Electronics is introducing GreenFillSM recycling service – the nation’s first in-store, drop-box solution sponsored by a consumer electronics manufacturer.

GreenFill service simplifies electronics recycling by providing consumers the ability to recycle small electronics – such as cameras, portable music devices, small laptops, cell phones and portable gaming devices – at participating retail locations for free. Consumers can simply drop their old small electronics, regardless of brand, in the GreenFill e-Recycle Drop Box at participating retailers.

At launch, 81 retail stores have joined Sony in its goal to make it as easy to recycle small consumer electronics as it is to purchase them and more are expected to join as the program continues. The program is an extension of Sony’s Take Back Recycling program and is designed to help build awareness of Sony’s nationwide network of more than 270 drop-off locations where larger Sony-branded electronics will be accepted at no charge and other brands will be accepted for a small fee.

“Sony’s GreenFill program is providing consumers with a convenient, sustainable solution for recycling small electronic products,” said Mike Fasulo, executive vice president of Sony Electronics with management oversight for the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives. “We are continuing our commitment to reach our goal of recycling one pound of old consumer electronics equipment for every pound of new products sold.”

The national Take Back Recycling program has brought attention to the growing issue of e-waste and the benefits of recycling old electronics, which include reducing greenhouse gases and limiting the need to process raw materials. Sony Electronics supports and has signed the Basel Action Network’s Manufacturers’ Commitment to Responsible E-Waste, which signifies the company’s agreement to conduct electronics recycling programs transparently and in accord with rigorous environmental and worker safety standards, and adhere to measures to prevent the export of hazardous e-waste to developing countries.

Since Sony’s Take Back Recycling program began, more than 14 million pounds of electronic waste have been collected. The company expects that number to grow exponentially as the program continues.

A complete list of permanent drop-off locations and details how to become a participating retailer can be found on www.sony.com/green.

About Sony Electronics       

Headquartered in San Diego, Sony Electronics is a leading provider of audio/video electronics and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, design, engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service.

Sony has played a key role in the development of Blu-ray Disc^TM, CD, DVD and Super Audio CD technologies, among many others. The company is noted for a wide range of consumer audio-visual products, such as the BRAVIA® LCD high-definition television, Cyber-shot® digital camera, Handycam® camcorder and Walkman® personal stereo. Sony is also an innovator in the IT arena with its VAIO® personal computers; and in high-definition professional broadcast and video equipment, highlighted by the XDCAM® HD and CineAlta^TM lines of cameras and camcorders, and the SXRD^TM 4K digital projector. The latest news and information is available at the company’s web site at www.sony.com/news.

Sony to Host Free Electronics Recycling Event in Mountain View

Opportunity to Responsibly Dispose of all Brands of Electronics at No Charge

(MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., March 13) PRNewswire — To encourage consumers to recycle old, no longer working or unwanted electronics products, Sony Electronics is inviting Bay Area residents to recycle any brand of outdated electronics for free at a drive-up event on March 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Shoreline Amphitheater.

Drivers of the first 2,000 cars to drop off unwanted electronics will receive a voucher for a Sony product valued at $100, which can be redeemed at Sony Style stores at the Valley Fair or Stanford shopping centers.

The event is tied to Sony Electronics’ Take Back Recycling program, which provides free recycling for Sony products at more than 270 permanent drop-off sites in nearly every state in the country.

With support from Waste Management and others, Sony has also hosted more than 100 recycling events like the one coming to Mountain View, where all brands of electronics can be recycled for free. These special events have helped increase awareness about the Take Back program and the permanent drop-off sites that are available nationwide.

This national program is bringing attention to the growing issue of e-waste and alternatives to trashing electronics, which through the recycling of their components can be re-used in new products — with greenhouse emissions reduced in the process.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans trash more than 130,000 computers and 350,000 cell phones every day. By recycling old electronics products, such useful materials as glass, plastic and metals can be collected and re-used in the manufacturing of new products.

Since Sony’s Take Back Recycling program began, more than 14 million pounds of electronic waste have been collected. The company expects that number to grow exponentially as the program continues.

As part of its ongoing efforts to help consumers recycle electronic devices safely, Sony is picking up most of the funding for this weekend’s event so residents will not need to pay for their electronics to be properly recycled. Funds from the California recycling fee that consumers pay when they purchase a new television or computer monitor will also be used to support this event.

Sony Electronics and Waste Management are signatories to the Basel Action Network’s Manufacturers’ Commitment to Responsible E-Waste Recycling. The action signifies the companies’ agreement to conduct electronics recycling programs transparently and in accord with rigorous environmental and worker safety standards, and adhere to measures to prevent the export of hazardous e-waste to developing countries.

“Sony continues to provide consumers with a convenient option to dispose of their unwanted electronics,” said Mike Fasulo, executive vice president of Sony Electronics with management oversight for the company’s CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiatives. “Our environmental stewardship and social responsibility remain top priorities for us.”

Scrap electronics that will be accepted at the event include televisions, computers, monitors, cameras, videogame consoles, cellular phones, rechargeable batteries and printers. Items that will not be accepted include microwave ovens, humidifiers, thermometers, air conditioners, smoke/fire alarms or detectors, and large household appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators and washer/dryers.

More information about acceptable products and concerning processing procedures is available by calling 877-439-2795. Recycling options available after the March 28 event and a complete list of permanent drop-off centers can be found at www.sony.com/recycle.

About Sony Electronics

Headquartered in San Diego, Sony Electronics is a leading provider of audio/video electronics and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, design, engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service.

Sony has played a key role in the development of Blu-ray Disc(TM), CD, DVD and Super Audio CD technologies, among many others. The company is noted for a wide range of consumer audio-visual products, such as the BRAVIA(R) LCD high-definition television, Cyber-shot(R) digital camera, Handycam(R) camcorder and Walkman(R) personal stereo. Sony is also an innovator in the IT arena with its VAIO(R) personal computers; and in high-definition professional broadcast and video equipment, highlighted by the XDCAM(R) HD and CineAlta(TM) lines of cameras and camcorders, and the SXRD(TM) 4K digital projector. The latest news and information is available at the company’s web site at www.sony.com/news. SOURCE Sony Electronics

CONTACT: Honey Mae Kenworthy of Sony Electronics Inc., +1-858-942-2940, HoneyMae.Kenworthy@am.sony.com

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