Blog | Disposing of Old Electronics
The holiday season is known as the best time of year to purchase new electronics at sale prices! We all know about Black Friday and the holiday season retail rush. Maybe you are eagerly expecting to receive a new TV, iPad or computer or upgrade an electronic to a newer model. Oftentimes when our designers come into a home to design a custom Entertainment Center or Office the client may have tons of outdated and unused electronics taking up additional space and creating clutter. I wanted to let you know there are many ways to donate or recycle your unwanted electronics.
- Cell Phones: Many electronic stores and libraries have donation bins where you can drop off your used phone
- Computers: Say you are buying a new Dell computer and need to get rid of your old one. If you are buying from the same brand most manufactures will take your old one back. Check whether the manufacture or retailer has a recycling program. For Mac users, Apple also has a recycling program.
What Electronics Can Be Recycled?
This list is based on data from the EPA. Check out the EPA’s guide to where you can donate or recycle your electronics.
ACCEPTED AT ALL LOCATIONS
- Computer Monitors
- CPU’s (Central Processing Units)
- Televisions with Cathode Ray Tubes and Flat Panel Displays
- Printers
- Laptops
- Cables
- Keyboards
- Mouses
ACCEPTED AT MOST LOACTIONS
- Answering Machines
- Camcorders
- Compact Disc Players
- Copiers
- Duplicators
- Electric Typewriters
- Fax Machines
- Hard Drives
- Mobile Phones
- Modems
- Pagers
- Printed Circuit Boards
- Radios
- Remote Controls
- Stereos
- Tape Players
- Telephones
- Telephone Equipment
- VCRs
- Word Processors
- Batteries
- PDAs
- Games (Video)
RARELY ACCEPTED
- Microwaves
- Smoke Detectors
- Large Household Appliances (Refrigerators, Washing Machines, and Air Conditioners)
- Toasters
- Fans
- Vacuum Cleaners
- Lamps
- Specialty Cookers
For Computer Donation
- First make sure the computer is in good working condition and donate it ASAP! We all know how quickly electronics can become out-of-date and obsolete.
- Clear the hard drive. Mainly so you can maintain your privacy and save any files you choose to keep.
- Include all the related accessories; manuals, monitors, keyboards, connection cables, and even software that you no longer need!
Where To Donate Electronics
- Check your local electronic store for recycling programs.
- eCycling: Government program that allows you to search for a location near you!
- The Wireless Foundation: Organization which seeks out projects that employ wireless communications for the benefit of communities. Their Call to Protect program accepts used phones to help end domestic violence.
- Students Recycling Used Technology (StRUT): Program provides schools with reusable technology equipment in Arizona, California, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington state.
- Komputers 4 R Kids: Based in California this company strives to bridge the gap in technology access between children of lower incomes. There are many variations of Komputers for Kids programs throughout the USA and even in the UK.
- Goodwill: Not only is the Goodwill a great charity to donate clothing they will refurbish or recycle your materials to benefit local communities.
By: Nicole L. Tate
To clear your hard drive you can use data destruction software. Many of these programs are available free on the internet.
Thank you for the tip!
regards from Berlin
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We are a computer recycler and I have to say that you have good information here. Where are some places you look to for obtaining useful information?
Our old electronic gadgets can still be of use. If we no longer need them, we can either sell them or have them recycled. Let us not forget to dispose of them properly. Fortunately, we have recycling and shredding facilities that not only handle paper and plastic products but also cell phones and hard drives as well.
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