ATM Recycles Gadgets for Cash

A trip to the ATM usually results in a pocketful of cash, along with a dent in your bank account, but a new kiosk manufactured by ecoATM takes your old mobile phones and other gadgets for recycling and gives you something in return.

The San Diego-based start-up installed its first machine at an Omaha, Neb., furniture store on October 1, according to an article by CNET News. You gotta start somewhere, right?

The kiosk is one smart piece of machinery, though. It uses digital cameras to electronically inspect your unwanted device and somehow assigns a value. If your old Nintendo Game Boy or Motorola Razr is worth anything, the kiosk spits out a trade-up coupon (i.e. for a new phone), gift card or charitable donation of your choice.

If the gadget is worthless, then at least the kiosk offers a convenient way to keep e-waste out of landfills. And according to the article, "Consumers could still get a free gift for their efforts -- in Omaha's case, a waterproof phone case. And in a green nod, EcoATM will plant a tree for them."

Like most other brilliant ideas, this presents a win-win-win-win relationship for consumers (convenience and credit), on-site retailers (increased foot traffic), gadget-makers (great marketing opportunity) and, of course, Mother Earth. The kiosks are free for retailers interested in housing them. Also, businesses can use the ecoATM for charitable efforts by, for example, putting the kiosks in the office and pledging $1 toward a given charity for every device deposited into the machine.

The company is, of course, planning a larger roll-out beyond the Omaha furniture store; but if you live in Nebraska, have an old phone that needs recycling and you're in the market for a new kitchen table, then by all means check it out.

Image courtesy of ecoATM