Hardware Hacking a One-Time-Use Videocam
 

If you're into soldering and taking things apart, this looks like a neat hack:

"The port is used to download the digital videos from the 'One-Time-Use' videocam; once unloaded, the CVS is recycled and sent out again to be resold - very neat. What was discovered is that this port can be linked to a PC through a USB connection - once linked, the videos can be downloaded, the memory purged and ready for use again - so for $30, a fairly good videocam!

http://www.overclockers.com/articles1414/

Why not? :) Otherwise, it goes into a garbage can. Good for kids who couldn't afford one.

they reuse the cams of course (the company) so it's never going into the garbage ;)

"Reuse" process could cost a lot more money; collection, handling, shipping, receiving (tax and duty might incurr) salvaging ...... reshipping and the cycle begins once more. God knows if the returns aim at not having the product at consumers' hand for other reasons and ended up being at the land fill. :D

I don't think it requires much handling, plug in, wipe, send back out, cheaper than new device, I think.

I am too cynical ;)