How many times have you opened up a drawer in your kitchen or looked on a shelf in your living room only to see an electronic device that hasn’t been used for years? How many of us have a treasure trove of unused technology just sitting and collecting dust? If someone asked you where you could take those devices to recycle them, would you be able to answer them? If you could, then you are in the minority of those individuals who discard their electronic devices responsibly when they are no longer using them. There are some simple things you can do to recycle your old electronic devices and help with the eWaste problem in our landfills.
Sell your devices
Before you throw that old cell phone in the trash bin, ask yourself “can I sell my electronics instead?” The answer is yes. Companies like Gizmogo will send you a slip so you can ship your devices to them for free. Once they receive the device or devices, they will assess them for value and give you a cash offer. If you accept that offer, then you will have your money in as little as 24 hours. You also don’t need to worry about any of your personal information getting out because Gizmogo will wipe your devices clean for you.
Donate your devices
There are many charities that will take your gently used electronics and give them to underprivileged areas that need them. Areas where children may not be able to access technology because they can’t afford it. Your unwanted piece of electronics can benefit a family or child who otherwise would not have access to the benefits of technology.
Recycle your device
There are many companies that will take your used cell phones, tablets, and laptops and break them down for parts to be used to rebuild other devices. Old electronics contain precious metals like gold and silver that need to be mined in order to produce them. The more we recycle these metals, the less mining that needs to be done, and the fewer carbon emissions are released into the air. It also leaves our natural resources depleted when we can get these recycled materials from the plentiful electronic devices that are no longer wanted. Beyond individual efforts, larger organizations and government entities often require more robust systems to manage their surplus technology. These facilities frequently deal with high volumes of hardware that necessitate a more structured approach to disposal and data security. Establishing a consistent routine for electronic waste recycling allows these entities to streamline the removal of obsolete equipment while ensuring environmental compliance. Professional collection services can provide tailored solutions such as specialized bins and scheduled pickups to handle bulk items efficiently. This systematic approach not only supports high material recovery rates but also guarantees that sensitive information is destroyed before the hardware is repurposed or processed.
Reuse your device
Reusing your electronic device is one of the best ways to guarantee it won’t become part of the eWaste problem. Some people use old cell phones for GPS systems in their cars and others give them to their kids to activate as first phones. The majority of devices that are put in a drawer forgotten are completely workable and can be someone else’s treasure. You can even use one for strictly games at home.
There are a few ways you can recycle your device that doesn’t involve breaking it down for parts. From donating your workable old devices to a needy charity, or reusing them in your own home, recycling is always the best way to discard unused electronic devices responsibly.
