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The U.S. Postal Service, Washington, D.C., launched a pilot program that allows customers to recycle small electronics and inkjet cartridges by mailing them free of charge. The “Mail Back” program helps consumers make more environmentally friendly choices, making it easier for customers to discard used or obsolete small electronics in an environmentally responsible way.

  Customers use free envelopes found in 1,500 U.S. Post Offices to mail back inkjet cartridges, PDAs, Blackberries, digital cameras, iPods, and MP3 players — without having to pay for postage. Postage is paid for by Clover Technologies Group LLC, a nationally recognized company that recycles, remanufactures, and remarkets inkjet cartridges, laser cartridges, and small electronics.

  If the electronic item or cartridges cannot be refurbished and resold, its component parts are reused to refurbish other items, or the parts are broken down further and the materials are recycled. The Ottawa, Ill.-based Clover Technologies Group has a “zero waste to landfill” policy. The company does everything it can to avoid contributing any materials to the nation’s landfills.

  The free, postage-paid Mail Back envelopes can be found on displays in Post Office lobbies. There is no limit to the number of envelopes customers may take. The pilot is set for 10 areas across the country, including Washington, D.C.; Chicago, Ill.; Los Angeles, Calif; and San Diego, Calif.; but could become a national program this fall if the pilot program proves successful.