We love to take new smartphones and computers as new models launch yearly. However, while upgrading your devices or using them, these electronic gadgets gradually become obsolete and electronic waste. It is worth mentioning that many people keep their devices because they don’t know what to do with them. It’s a sad fact that out of billions of smartphones sold each year worldwide, millions end up in landfills. It’s a point of concern as a United Nations study reported that approximately 63.3 million U.S tons of e-waste were discarded in 2021, and only 17.4 percent of it was effectively recycled.
For the sake of a good environment, it is essential to recycle e-waste as they contain toxic substances. Consequently, many materials used in making phones and computers can be recovered and reused. In this context, knowing how to recycle e-waste properly is of supreme importance to a more sustainable future.
This article will discuss how to recycle e-waste by donating it, trading it, or sending it to a manufacturing firm.
Donating
Donating is probably the best option to get rid of old phones and computers in favor of something newer or faster. It is a way to recycle while adding value to someone’s life. If your device is in comparatively good condition or not even working, you might consider donating it to a non-profit or charitable organization. The non-profit or charity organization would probably be happy to accept these devices. These devices can be refurbished or revitalized for people who need them.
Here are a few programs that help you get your old devices for needy people.
- An ERA is a non-profit organization that recycles old electronics by recycling. It works with community charities to provide repurposed computers.
- Dell Reconnect offers to recycle residential computer equipment. It is a partnership with goodwill that accepts any computer and its accessories.
- The world computer exchange promotes the proper recycling and reuse of electronics. It provides used computers, peripherals, and many other gadgets to communities worldwide.
- eBay for charity enables you to sell and donate the proceedings to a charity of your choice.
Approach the recycler
Recycling old phones by repairing them helps in conserving resources. Therefore, many local communities and non-profit organizations provide options to help you recycle old electronics.
Call2recycle
One such organization is call2recycle, North America’s most extensive battery recycling program. It offers drop-off locations for rechargeable batteries and cell phones all over the U.S.
Recycle locator and earth911’s
Other options for recycling your devices are the computer technology association’s recycle locator and earth911’s extensive recycling database. In addition, they might help provide you with an e-waste drop-off site in your neighborhood.
Sustainable electronic recycling international
Furthermore, you might consult sustainable electronic recycling international as it lists facilities for electronic recycling. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to electronic reuse and recycling worldwide.
Approach the tech firm
You can submit old phones and laptops from where you bought them for recycling. Many retailers, like Dell, hp, and Apple, usually take used computers off your hands—sometimes with a trade-in or buyback option if you want to purchase new equipment. Such electronic manufacturing firms and retailers offer robust recycling programs. Some programs that allow consumers to recycle old electronics are as follows.
- Amazon’s trade-in program offers its customers various gift cards for eligible devices.
- Apple gives back programs that offer Apple gift cards that you can use anytime on qualifying devices. The company will also accept products that don’t qualify for recycling purposes.
- Best Buy offers recycling options for a wide range of tech products no matter where you bought them.
- Office supply store staples offer free recycling options for e-waste.
- The sprint buyback program offers account credits for mobile phones from any carrier.
It is preferable to back up your data and perform a factory reset on your device before recycling it. While doing so, ensure to sign out from all your accounts, unlink the devices and remove your SIM card. It will avoid having anyone gain access to your personal information. Once you take these steps, you will have the assurance that your data is safe and your device is ready to recycle.