What to Do with Old Electronics

We all love our devices, but they will eventually become obsolete and discarded as electronic waste. That’s a problem. A UN study reported that millions of tons of e-waste were discarded in 2019, yet only 17.4 percent of it was disposed of properly.

Electronics can also contain toxic materials such as mercury, lead, and cadmium. That’s why it’s essential to get rid of these materials safely. Fortunately, several materials used in making electronics can be recovered and reused, including plastics, metal, glass, and aluminum. Here are your options when it comes to recycling electronics.

Take It to a Recycler

You can find recycling opportunities in your community for many electronic devices that still contain valuable materials, such as rechargeable batteries or cell phone displays. One organization that offers such opportunities is Call2Recycle, an industry-sponsored initiative with drop-off locations all over America. To find a recycling location that’s close to home, enter your ZIP code at Call2Recycle.org. Note that COVID-19 restrictions may apply. Be sure to call before heading out the door to confirm that the recycling store is open and accepting recyclables.

Donate it

Receipts for all charitable contributions are essential to avoid any questions about their validity. When it comes to donating your old technology, plenty of organizations would appreciate the donation. If you don’t know where to begin, you can check with local organizations for seniors and recreation centers. Make sure to get a receipt since you may be eligible to deduct donations from your taxes.

Take It to a Tech Firm

Electronics manufacturers and retailers have recycling programs. The Environmental Protection Agency offers a searchable database of companies with recycling programs and the products they accept. Amazon gives customers $5 gift cards for music CDs and video games and up to $1,530 in credit towards new qualifying Amazon devices. Apple’s GiveBack program offers customers in-store credit for any device that doesn’t qualify for gift cards or recycling. Best Buy has recycling options for a wide range of electronics, no matter where you bought them.