Apple launched the iPad claiming it is is free of arsenic, BFR (Brominated Flame Retardants), mercury, and PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). Greenpeace recently recognized Apple as the consumer electronics company that has done the most to eliminate harmful chemicals from its products. (Why it is important to eliminate PVC/BFR from e-gear.)

The "Environmental Status Report" on the lower left of the iPad tech specs page touts its "recyclable aluminum and glass enclosure", but the iPad is not yet included in the "Apple Recycling Program". Presumably, there will not be a pressing need to recycle iPads for a while. It's another story if irrational exuberance in iPad consumption accelerates the disposal of older devices.*

The iPad features a 10-hour sealed battery. Earth2Tech gave the iPad a green grade of "B", marking it down for its battery life compared to e-readers. "...as an e-book reader, the iPad is far from the greenest device out there. While Apple’s iBooks store may one day help dematerialize an entire forest worth of books, battery life simply can’t match that of the Kindle, which can go several days without recharging thanks to its electronic ink display." This assessment places the versatile iPad into one e-device category, which is not how all buyers may use it.

The iPad, like many e-devices, likely contains conflict minerals.

Update 2010.05.06:
* Why just wait for that irrational exuberance if you can cheer it on? John Shegerian, Chairman and CEO of Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), praised the iPad as an e-waste generator.

"We at ERI marvel at visionary entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs who lead their organizations to think outside of the box and provide groundbreaking devices such as this. The side effect of such innovative excellence is that millions of older, obsolete devices will be discarded and left behind as the new superior technology is adopted. Fortunately, organizations such as ERI are committed to the responsible recycling of such items so they do not end up in landfills or illegally exported."

ERI, a member of e-Stewards and other responsible e-cycling organizations, also feels the same way about the e-waste potential of 3D TV. Apparently the e-waste industry has forgotten that the greenest device is the one we didn't buy. "Sweating assets" applies to consumers as well as businesses.

Update 2010.05.07:
Apple now has an Environmental Report for the iPad. The Report adds to the above-mentioned attributes, "Power adapter outperforms strictest global energy efficiency standards."

Update 21010.05.19
The Sierra Club's telco partner, Credo Mobile, has criticized AT&T's support of anti-environmental politicians. Apple has designated At&T exclusive voice and data carrier in the US for iPad and iPhone, leaving green fans of these devices no choice in carriers. See how your country's iPad carrier rates as a green telecom.