It might be tempting to put the old device in a rubbish drawer or push it into a corner if you’ve just updated. But when the e-waste begins to accumulate, what should you do? Where do you get rid of your old technology?
You shouldn’t throw your outdated appliances and phones in the trash or, worse, your home gadget cemetery just because you no longer need them. We all have different reasons for keeping obsolete technology in our homes, but there are many methods to turn them into security cameras and other smart home accessories. You may even be eligible to get some cash back for your phone, depending on its age and condition.
This article is included in the Zero series, which documents the effects of climate change and examines solutions.
Regardless of the technology, there are many incorrect methods to get rid of your old devices when the time comes to say goodbye. We will demonstrate which is which.
Do this first before recycling your gadget.
Before you sell or give an outdated smartphone, be sure all of its data has been correctly erased. Make a backup of all the data on the device, including pictures, movies, and music, and then reset it to factory defaults.
Where to recycle gadgets and phones
These are the top locations for recycling, repurposing, or revitalizing outdated technology. Some places may accept big items like washing machines and exercise cycles in addition to modest gadgets like phones.
Best Buy typically takes three things per residence each day and accepts a broad variety of electronic devices. You may verify using the website’s state-specific recycling information dropdown menu, however specifics may differ according on where you reside.
For bigger equipment like TVs, dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves, treadmills, and exercise cycles, Best Buy also has a haul-away option. Best Buy will remove your old item for recycling if you have bought a new one. Additionally, there is a $200 stand-alone haul-away option. With a few exceptions, you may have an infinite number of minor objects and two big ones removed.
TVs, cables and chargers, media players, projectors, laptops, hard drives, webcams, cell phones, calculators, radios, landlines, headsets, vacuums, fans, ink and toner cartridges, alarm clocks, speaker systems, e-readers, video game consoles, memory cards, camcorders, digital cameras, and GPS units are among the items that Best Buy is able to recycle.
Office supply shop Staples Additionally, Staples provides free choices for recycling outdated devices. Each consumer may bring up to seven things to Staples each day. Additionally, the business offers prepaid address labels, driver and pallet pickup, and haul-away services.
What you can recycle: Staples may recycle accessories, adapters, cables, computers, cordless and mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, routers, tablets, webcams, ink and toner and other office tech goods.
You may give technology if you don’t want to discard your table.
mazon Home Depot Home Depot offers upcycling and repurposing advice on their website, along with an overview on how to properly dispose of old paint, electronics, dead batteries, and other goods. RecycleStuff.org states that only residential clients are eligible for the drop-off services.
Home Depot takes rechargeable home batteries, mobile phones, LED light bulbs, lithium-ion batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, and household alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V), according to RecycleStuff.org.
Environmental Protection Agency of the United States
The EPA has a helpful guide that makes it easy to get the information you need, but it doesn’t handle recycling and drop-offs the same way other companies do. Donations and recycling are broken down by electronic equipment, firm name, logo, and any other information in the EPA directory.
You may recycle and give mobile devices, PCs, TVs, imaging equipment, and supplies, according to the EPA’s database, which again connects you to individual businesses and their policies.
Coalition for Electronics Take-Back
The Electronics Take-Back Coalition, like the EPA, makes it simple to locate take-back programs offered by US manufacturers. The take-back program descriptions of over 25 businesses, including Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Panasonic, and Sony, are available for perusal.