Electronics depreciate quickly. That pile of electronics you don’t use anymore is often referred to as “the pile of denial.” Most people throw this pile away when they move or when they upgrade their devices. But because electronics depreciate so quickly, it can be difficult to refurbish them. Luckily, there are several ways you can donate or recycle your electronic devices.
Reuse
There are a number of benefits to responsible electronic recycling. These benefits include promoting environmental and human health benefits, improving access to refurbished and reusable electronics, and minimizing the amount of waste in landfills. However, not all electronics are recyclable. In some cases, they must be dismantled in order to be recycled properly. The first step in recycling electronics is separating the components by type. Typically, ferrous and non-ferrous metals are separated. Then, the circuit board is dismantled to recover valuable metals. These metals can then be sold to manufacturers, while the plastic casings and switches may end up in landfills.
Electronics should be recycled at facilities that are certified by third-party auditors. These third-party auditors, such as National Science Foundation (NSF), have rigorous requirements for recycling facilities. Certified recyclers must meet strict standards for environmental and worker safety. This makes them more reputable, and you can trust them to recycle your electronic waste in a proper manner.
Donate
When you donate your old electronics, you’ll help the environment at the same time. Cell phones, TVs, computers, and other electronic devices can be recycled to save the planet. In fact, cell phones can recover as much as 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, and 75 pounds of gold! Donating your laptop, tablet, or computer can also help you save money. However, you need to keep in mind that batteries may need to be disposed of separately.
Fortunately, there are many organizations that will accept your old electronics. For instance, Staples will accept up to six items a day. Goodwill is another place to donate old electronics. It will also take any brand of computer and all of its peripherals. You can also donate electronics to the Lower East Side Ecology Center’s E-waste Warehouse. There are also companies that offer free mail-back programs for old electronic equipment.
Recycle
Responsible recycling of electronics is a good practice that can have a great impact on the environment. The benefits of recycling electronics are numerous, including the reduction of landfill waste and the increase of access to quality refurbished and reusable equipment. In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging electronics recyclers to become certified, which means they meet strict environmental standards set by independent auditors. Recyclers who have obtained this certification are often more reliable and reputable than those that are not certified.
Those interested in recycling can use the Internet to search for organizations in their area that accept electronics. There are many online directories that can be useful in your search. For example, Earth911 has a database of electronic recycling facilities, so you can search for the right one based on the type of electronics you’re recycling. Various tech companies and electronic retailers also have programs for donating unwanted electronics. Apple, for instance, offers a price cut on future devices in exchange for recycling your old devices, while GameStop offers cash for your unwanted electronics. Many of these firms also offer mail-in recycling options for your electronics.
Avoid small electronics in curbside recycling bins
It is illegal to place small electronics in curbside recycling bins. To avoid this problem, you can take your electronics to a certified recycler. Some cities have a list of these recycling facilities. You can also find them on their websites. If you are unsure which recycling facility is right for your small electronics, check out the Manufacturer Takeback Program.
Small electronics contain lithium-ion batteries, which can cause fires. They can also contaminate other materials in the truck. Small electronics should not be placed in curbside recycling bins, as curbside recycling programs are not equipped to handle these types of materials.
Avoid small electronics in covered electronic recyclers
It’s important to avoid placing small electronics in covered electronic recyclers. These facilities may charge a small fee to cover their costs. It is also necessary to keep in mind that some of these electronic devices may have reuse value. These should be taken to an authorized recycling facility instead of being thrown into a landfill.
Recycling electronics is an essential part of a healthy environment, and Pennsylvania’s Covered Device Recycling Act, for example, is designed to encourage the reuse and recycling of these materials. This law requires electronics recyclers to register with the Department of Environmental Quality. Once registered, an electronic recycler must meet certain standards.
Find a trusted recycler
There are a number of different places to recycle your electronics. Some of these places accept a variety of electronic items, including TVs, cell phones, and laptops, while others accept specific types of household appliances. Some of these places also offer trade-in programs where you can get cash for your old electronics.
When choosing a place to recycle electronics, it is important to find a recycler that is certified. The EPA recommends using a certified recycler, and there are two accredited standards available in the United States: e-Stewards and R2. Both programs require recyclers to adhere to high standards, including data security and asset management.
