Sept. 16, 2008 - Computer maker Lenovo has unveiled two new programs to encourage customers to recycle their old machines - and power their new ones with renewable energy.

First, Lenovo has partnered with ECO International on a new takeback program that will recycle Lenovo and select IBM computing devices free of charge. In addition, consumers can return a range of electronic devices - regardless of brand - to qualify for a pre-paid gift card based on the residual value of the item.

Second, Lenovo has partnered with the green-consumer initiative Together to offer an e-coupon with every Lenovo notebook sold. For every coupon redeemed, Lenovo will make a donation to a renewable energy project in the buyer's home state in the amount equal to the cost of powering a Lenovo notebook for one year.

"These programs help extend the reach of our green initiatives beyond our own operations, and help to address the challenge of how technology products are powered and how they are recycled when the products come to the end of their lifecycles," says William Amelio, Lenovo CEO.

The company is offering the programs as part of its new membership in The Climate Group, an international nonprofit organization focused on promoting a low-carbon economy. Lenovo has set a voluntary target to boost its carbon efficiency 10% by 2012.

Lenovo is the latest computer manufacturer to launch a product takeback program. In July 2007, Dell became one of the first in the industry to offer consumers no-charge recycling services for its own equipment without requiring new product purchases.