06.02.2008 — Best Buy is testing a free program to dispose of electronic waste to ensure old TVs, computers and other unwanted devices don't pollute dumps across the United States.

The e-waste program, first reported by the Associated Press, will be implemented in 117 Best Buy stores across eight states, collecting unwanted gadgets for free.

Consumers can bring in up to two devices per day at participating Best Buy stores. Acceptable items include: computer processors, computer monitors, TVs with screens up to 32 inches, console TVs, air conditioners and microwaves.

The retailer also will haul away old appliances and TVs when customers pay to have replacements delivered.

The stores in Baltimore, Minneapolis, Northern California, parts of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin will be the test pilots for the e-waste program.

And, yes, you can return unwanted CE products to any participating location even if that specific store didn't originally sell the product.

If all goes well, the nation's largest electronics retailer may expand the program to all 922 stores in the U.S.

"We want to take the time to learn if we can handle this before we go any further," says Best Buy spokeswoman Kelly Groehler. "We know the need is there and the waste stream is there.

"We think everyone needs to bear some responsibility for this — consumers, retailers and manufacturers."

All Best Buy stores currently accept some electronic waste — cell phones, empty ink-jet cartridges and worn-out batteries.