Crave reports that an EcoATM has been installed at a Nebraska Furniture Mart. The vending machine encourages cell phone and gadget recycling by letting people trade in used gadgets for an in-store coupon or a gift card. The EcoATM website describes the process as three easy steps.
Step 1) Insert portable CE device or handset
Step 2) Used device automatically valued
Step 3) Portables automatically binned inside. User receives trade-up coupon, gift card, and/or charitable contribution
Crave says the company is planning a big rollout in other states during the second quarter of 2010. The EcoATM machines uses cameras to determine the value of devices. The cameras can detect signs of wear on the gadgets.
