Toshiba, Sharp and Panasonic have teamed up to offer a recycling system for electronics across the whole of the US.

The companies have set up a joint venture, the Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company, which will set up 280 recycling points across all 50 states.

The group will also work with commercial recyclers, municipal recycling centres and not-for-profit organisations to widen the number of available recycling points.

"Consumers are thinking more and more about their impact on the planet, and are looking for brands and products that are committed to the environment," said Maria Repole, associate vice president of corporate communications at Toshiba.

"This year, Toshiba is putting even more emphasis on improving its environmental practices and demonstrating its commitment to sustainability."

The eventual goal is to have a network of over 800 recycling points across the country, making it much easier for businesses and consumers to dispose of electronic waste.

"We continuously seek ways to reduce our impact on the environment," said Sharp chief executive Doug Koshima.