You bought a new device, effectively rendering your old device obsolete. Perhaps it's a phone, and you could just keep it as backup for next time, but what if it's a printer or a television screen or a media player? Surely you wouldn't need to keep it as backup. In California, you can actually exchange it for cash. And at an automated machine near you.
Check out The EcoATM
Built like an ATM, only instead of you inserting your card and dispensing cash, you let it consume your gadget, and get cold hard cash in return. (Can't really guarantee on the cold part in our hot humid climate)
This is how it works. You open a cover akin to that of a microwave oven, insert your device in and close it. The camera inside will detect and match the model and type of the gadget to its database, and then advise you the maximum value of the device. After which, it will then intelligently provide a power cable for you to manually connect your device. This allows the machine to ensure the functionality of the device, and refine its quote on the estimated value. Once this is completed, you have to scan your driver's license in case the devices are stolen or obtained through fraudulent purposes. After a snapshot of your license is taken and recorded, you have the option of either donating the proceeds to charity or to collect cash.
On the surface, it does sound like a really neat idea. It would be rather ironic though, if the energy required to maintain the system or keep the machine active, burns more fuel than simply throwing away the gadgets. Also, you won't get paid fi your accessories are complete. (I think.)
Maybe this could be placed at void decks and powered via a solar panel connected to the roof? It would be rather neat too, if instead of cash, one can simply slot in the atm (or tap the ez link card) and have the monetary value transferred in respectively.
There is great potential for this. But where will the money come from?
