Not sure what to do with your broken laptop? Maybe you have a drawer full of your family’s old and broken cell phones. Perhaps your office has a whole room dedicated to broken computers and their components. How exactly do you dispose of the tech of yesteryear? Let’s go over how you can recycle your electronics.
If It’s Not Broken, Donate It
Many companies decide to replace their computers as a whole. This can result in many computers that function well being lost to the electronic graveyard or worse, your local landfill. If you find yourself or your business with tech that isn’t broken and still operates, you should consider donating this.
There are so many options when it comes to donating your old electronics. Many schools or other educational institutes will gladly take computers, laptops, printers, copiers, or even keyboards that are gently used. Look into the districts in your area or another local town where the budget doesn’t allow for them to purchase new electronics. In some cases, the schools will drop certain classes due to unavailable funding for supplies.
Even if you don’t have much to offer, there is sure to be a place that would take your old yet functioning electronics. Recreational centers such as community centers and libraries depend on donations from local businesses. Even Goodwill has a program specifically for used computers.
If It Is Broken, or Nearly Broken, Recycle It
In the U.S., many states have specific instructions on recycling your old electronics. Researching the best way to do this in your state would be the first step. However, many of these regulations don’t offer a specific contact or department for you to contact. E-waste recycling is somewhat of a newer type of recycling and many states didn’t know how to regulate this.
What usually happens is the retailers of these devices then become responsible for establishing how to recycle. But some small businesses offer these services as well. Once again, a bit of research on how to go about this in your city will point you in the right direction. The first step is collecting your electronics and establishing what materials your device is made of.
Once you have established this, you can then determine where each of your devices needs to be taken to. You will most likely need to take apart some of your devices and certain pieces may need to be split into different batches depending on where you can recycle each batch of material. Additionally, some of your local retailers may be able to help by collecting the device as a whole. For example, Cartridge World will take back any used ink cartridges they sell to you and send them back to the manufacturers to be recycled properly.
Regardless of Operation, Sell It
In a world that is constantly creating new and improvised tech, there are people continuously learning how to fix this tech. If your used desktop computers in your office are operational and you’re looking to make some money, try selling them on eBay or Facebook Marketplace. However, if your devices don’t work, do not be discouraged. Many people love trying to fix old gadgets.
Most of our tech is made up of circuit boards and if you can find the proper parts to replace and you’re able to solder, then you may be able to make it good as new! Even if this isn’t what you’re into, you can bet there are tons of folks out there who love to do this as a hobby and even as a career.
The most important takeaway is that you take care of your old electronics properly. In the past few decades, e-waste pollution has grown to a concerning level. We all have to do our part to make sure that with our sweeping advancements in tech we are taking into account the environmental impact.