Personal computer makers and the public postal corporation will join hands to recycle PCs starting Oct. 1, an industry group said Monday.
Under the agreement, Japan Post will collect used PCs at more than 20,000 post offices or pick them up from people's homes, the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association said.
The same fee will be charged either way, but it will be adjusted depending on the kind of computer, probably ranging from 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen, JEITA said.
The agreement involves 21 major computer manufacturers, including NEC Corp., Fujitsu Ltd., Toshiba Ltd., Sony Corp., Apple Computer Inc. and Dell Computer Corp.
The announcement is timed to coincide with the enforcement of a new government ordinance that requires manufacturers to recycle PCs.
Mandatory PC recycling has been in place for government and business computers since April 1, 2001.
The association said it will map out specific procedures for recycling home PCs so as to ensure a smooth start to the program.