EcoATM: Get Paid To Feed It Your Old, Unwanted Electronics

Every year since its initial launch, a new iPhone has been released. Since the iPod's launch, it has gone through many changes; both internal and external. By now you've probably accumulated many mobile phones and music players. Instead of letting these old devices collect dust, you can try this new solution to get rid of them: ecoATM. The ecoATM is a fairly large machine that allows you to insert your unwanted cell phone or digital music player for immediate inspection. After ecoATM takes pictures and runs diagnostics on the device, it will give you a price quote based on what other electronics recycling companies would offer for your device. You can donate your product's value to a handful of charities, or accept cash. Here's some more info from ecoATM:

Based in San Diego, Calif., ecoATM (www.ecoatm.com) is the first and only company to create an automated self-serve kiosk system that uses patented, advanced machine vision, electronic diagnostics, and artificial intelligence to evaluate and buy-back used electronics directly from consumers for cash or store credit. ecoATM’s eCycling stations provide a convenient trade-in solution that:

• electronically and/or visually inspect virtually any consumer electronic device,
• connects consumers in real-time with a broad worldwide secondary market to ensure best pricing, and
• pays consumers immediately in cash and/or store credit, and
• automatically administers trade-in / trade-up promotions for retailers and manufacturers.

Of course, you could always try eBay or Craigslist to sell your old electronics, but there are typically seller fees on eBay, and risks with Craigslist. Plus, with ecoATM, you can get your cash right then and there, with no need to package and ship your old device. The downside of ecoATM is that this is a fairly new service. There aren't many ecoATM machines outside of California, although the company "plans to have about 500 out at the end of this year, spreading eastward."

What I'd like to know is: do you think ecoATM is a good idea? If you happen to live near one of these machines and try it out, be sure to let us know how it goes! (via AP News)

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