TI is concerned about mounting electronic waste and the proper disassembly and disposal of our consumer products at the end of their useful life. We address product end-of-life and disposal issues both as a components manufacturer and as an equipment manufacturer of devices such as graphing calculators.

Some end equipment companies have begun to create their own product take-back programs in recent years. TI works with our customers to explore these programs and provide usable customer information about the content of our semiconductors through our Eco-Info Web site.

Semiconductors

Although we don't have direct control over the end-of-life handling of semiconductors our customers place in the products they manufacture, we do provide them with detailed information about the substances used in our components so they can make informed decisions about how to handle the end-of-life issues related to their products.

Education Technology (ET)

TI works to reduce waste by designing ET products, such as complex graphing calculators, with flash technology. This enables consumers to download new software applications from our Web site, which extends the products' lifespan and long-term value.

We also design ET products to be durable enough to withstand years of use in the classrooms. And we participate in European take-back programs for ET devices.

Retail display packaging for our handheld educational devices is recycled in many European countries under the Green Dot program as well. A green dot indicates the packaging is part of a privately organized recycling system and that corresponding expenses have been paid.

Outside Europe, government jurisdictions have different ideas about how to manage electronic waste. To ensure compliance, we continuously monitor the varying requirements for registration/certification, labeling, batteries and product packaging.

Manufacturing equipment

TI has a comprehensive program for disposing equipment used in our own manufacturing processes. Our objective, whenever possible, is to prolong the life of the equipment and keep it in active commerce – by using it elsewhere within our own operations or by selling it. If neither option is practical, then we decommission it, remove any residual chemicals and sell the equipment for scrap, ensuring that it will be disposed of in an environmentally responsible way.