Chinese web services giant partners with UN to address e-waste hazard

BEIJING (Scrap Monster): The Chinese search engine major Baidu has joined hands with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to launch a new application that could help the customers to easily sell their old electronic items for cash.

Baidu and UNDP had launched a Big Data Joint Laboratory to design new frameworks to support environment, health care, education and many more domains. The lab makes use of Baidu’s internet services and analytics data to design development strategies to the benefit of its citizens. As an inaugural product of the lab, Baidu and the UN group has partnered with Chinese electronics vendor TCL to develop a web based application named “Baidu Recycle Station”.

The first of its kind of application in China can be accessed by searching for “Baidu Recycle” in the Baidu search app. The users can take photo of their e-waste and get the estimated scrap price for the item. The app also helps to schedule a free-pickup by TCL Corporation from your location. The app is currently available for users in Beijin and Tianjin only. However, the service will be rolled out to other Chinese cities soon.

The Chinese search firm hopes that the newly developed app will help to ensure that the discarded e-waste reach legitimate recycling centres where they are properly dismantled. Furthermore, the users are assured that they receive accurate pricing for their old electronics.