5.11.2004 ET

(CSRwire) ATLANTA - UPS Supply Chain Solutions (NYSE: UPS) today announced a new service that helps companies properly manage the disposition of used and obsolete electronic goods and components.

Through its new Asset Recovery and Recycling Management service, UPS Supply Chain Solutions oversees the final disposition of these electronics through repair, recycling or disposal in an environmentally safe manner, all while controlling logistics-related activities. The new service tackles the growing problem of how to manage used and obsolete electronic goods, such as computers, cell phones, printers as well as their electronic components.

According to the International Association of Electronics Recyclers' (IAER) 2003 industry report, "there are more than 500 million units of computer equipment (CPUs, monitors, printers) currently installed in the USA from all sectors, including consumer, that will be obsolete in less than five years." IAER also cites a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency report from 2002 stating "91 percent of consumer electronics is discarded."

With government enforcement of proper handling standards increasing globally, the new service is designed to help companies address the fragmented logistics processes to reclaim these goods from many locations, the high costs of managing returns, and the liability associated with this activity if done incorrectly. UPS's Asset Recovery and Recycling Management service provides companies with a single point of contact, enhanced visibility and tracking and governmentally compliant documentation.

UPS Supply Chain Solutions, through its vendors, also offers resale and remarketing services on behalf of companies for their used electronics.

"Many companies are struggling with how to properly handle used and obsolete electronic goods and their components," said Rocky Romanella, vice president and Americas Region general manager for UPS Supply Chain Solutions. "They know that managing these goods within regulatory guidelines is critical to their post-sales supply chain to increase operational efficiencies and control costs, as well as contribute to a safer environment."

UPS Supply Chain Solutions distribution facilities around the United States serve as convenient consolidation points for field tech support personnel to return used and damaged electronic components for collection. Alternatively, UPS can manage the pick-up and shipment of obsolete and excess inventory from a company's own distribution centers directly to disposition vendors for proper treatment.

"For 97 years, UPS has conducted business with the environment in mind," said Romanella. "Now, we hope to use our expertise and capabilities to help companies manage their specialized needs, including recovery and recycling of this equipment when possible to minimize the need for disposal."

UPS's commitment to the environment is detailed in its 2003 Corporate Sustainability Report called "Operating in Unison." In the report, the company details its current impact on the environment and its goals for diminishing that impact in the future. UPS commits to use its "transport and logistics capabilities to collect and prepare equipment for recycling and remanufacturing."

Since 2000, UPS has recycled more than 9.9 million pounds of used and obsolete electronic components through its own recycling program. The full text of UPS's sustainability report is available at sustainability.ups.com.

UPS is the world's largest package delivery company and a global leader in supply chain services, offering an extensive range of options for synchronizing the flow of goods, information and funds. Its business unit, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, offers transportation and freight services, logistics and distribution and international trade services. UPS's stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange (UPS) and the company can be found on the Web at ups.com and ups-scs.com.

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