Best Buy collected 1,725 tons of electronic waste for recycling at its stores in fiscal 2008. The Richfield-based retailer says it plans to expand such recycling efforts as it moves ahead with its aggressive growth strategy. The company released a corporate social and environmental responsibility report today. It says the company is working to reduce energy use and lessen the amount of packaging and toxic materials used in products it sells.

Is Target going for a Geek Squad of its own? The company has announced a partnership with Zip Express, a nationwide consumer electronics installation service. Target.com customers can click to order next-day help ranging from plugging in a DVD player to wiring and mounting a home theater system. You might want to ask a friend or neighbor first: Prices run from $130 to $500.

A global study comparing the safety of drug-coated stents made by Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson has enrolled its first patients in the United States. In rare cases, blood clots can form inside stents, causing heart attack or death. The PROTECT study will observe the rate of that condition as well as other key safety metrics in 8,800 patients implanted with Medtronic or Johnson & Johnson stents. Here's the fine print: Medtronic is paying for the study.

Do you have an inside scoop or news tip about a Minnesota company? Spotted something interesting in your RSS reader? Drop Business Agenda a note at dhaugen [at] minnpost [dot] com.