We’re celebrating Earth Day with Product Takeback and Reuse.

Happy Earth Day to all of you. For 50 years, we’ve been celebrating Earth Day, and even in this uncertain time, we’re making progress, thanks to companies like Cisco that have committed themselves to the Circular Economy.

Cisco’s commitment to environmental sustainability starts at the very top. Our CEO, Chuck Robbins, committed to 100% product return at the World Economic Forum in 2018. This pledge requires not only 100% commitment from Cisco, but also active engagement from our distributors, partners, suppliers and customers.

One of the best things I learned as an executive sponsor of Cisco’s Circular Economy initiative is that we have to think of recycling as the last resort. We all know recycling has many benefits,  but a circular economy goes far beyond recycling. In fact, we want to reuse more of our equipment, so that we recycle less. That’s why Cisco has re-launched our Product Takeback and Reuse program in honor of the 50^th anniversary of Earth Day.

Simple. Secure. Sustainable.

With the Product Takeback and Reuse program, Cisco is giving our customers the opportunity to be part of the Circular Economy by returning end-of-use equipment to Cisco – at no cost. The customer fills out one simple form on our website or mobile app. That’s it! Cisco will pick up the old Cisco equipment and we’ll remanufacture and refurbish those products, so we can give them new life with more customers. With preapproval, even some non-Cisco equipment may be eligible for this program.

Internally, we are transforming our business to run a world-class returns program and to enhance customer value through product lifecycle management. We are considering the entire lifecycle of the products we provide, and we are asking our partners to think in terms of product lifecycle, too. The hardware Cisco manufactures might be leased or used as-a-service rather than purchased directly. When the hardware is no longer needed, we want it returned to Cisco. That equipment can then be remanufactured or refurbished — all  while maintaining the security for which Cisco is renowned.

The Right Program Now and in the Future

Many customers are upgrading their networks to expand capacity. If possible, this is the time to use Product Takeback and Reuse to return older equipment. There is also demand for refurbished products. A secondary life for unused equipment not only saves minerals and resources, but also brings quality technology to those who may not otherwise have access.

This program is a great way for customers to clean up their “bone yard” of old equipment and support the Circular Economy at the same time.

The pilot has begun with our U.S. Partner and U.S. Commercial customer base, and then we’ll scale globally as soon as possible.

How to Join the Circular Economy

• If you or your customers have old Cisco equipment you want to return, visit the Takeback and Reuse website or download the Send IT Back iOS App
• From both the website and iOS app you can request a pick-up by filling out a form
• That’s it! Cisco will take it from there and work with you to get your pick-up scheduled

It’s simple. It’s secure. And it’s sustainable – just the way it should be.

At a time when many of us are confined and perhaps worried, there are still things to celebrate, like our Earth and the ways we are finding to protect it.

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Happy 50^th Earth Day.

Andrew