HP (HPQ) announced the expansion of its product return and recycling program to reach more customers and create new ways for people to discard used or unwanted electronic equipment in a convenient and environmentally responsible manner.

HP is expanding its product take back offering throughout Asia Pacific and Japan, where the company has aligned its trade-in, refurbishing and recycling operations to offer full asset-recovery services to commercial customers in the region. These services match existing consolidated asset-recovery and recycling services offered by HP in Europe and the Americas. Consumer collection programs also are planned for specified locations in Australia, China and France.

HP is on target to meet its global goal to recycle 1 billion pounds of hardware and HP print cartridges by the end of 2007. In 2005, HP recycled approximately 140 million pounds of hardware and HP print cartridges globally — an increase of 17 percent over the previous year. Since the company began recycling, it has recycled 750 million pounds in total.

HP's recycling program operates globally in more than 40 countries, regions and territories and seeks to reduce the environmental impact of IT products, minimize waste going to landfills and help customers conveniently discard products in an environmentally sound fashion. Plastics and metals recovered from products recycled by HP have been used in new HP products, as well as a range of other uses, including auto body parts, clothes hangers, plastic toys, fence posts, serving trays and roof tiles.

In addition to working closely with customers, HP proactively engages with external stakeholders to anticipate emerging environmental issues and legislation. HP advocates for a producer responsibility approach to e-waste legislation whereby all stakeholders play a role in managing the proper end-of-life management of products.