We love our devices; our televisions , laptops , tablets , and perhaps above all, our cell phones , those pocket miracles with the power of a computer. In fact, Gartner, a technology research company, estimates that more than 1.5 billion mobile phones will hit the market in 2021. That’s about 1 for every 5 people alive.
But unless you trade in for a brand new device, each of those artifacts reaches the end of its useful life and it becomes electronic waste. And that is a problem. A United Nations study reported that in 2019 were discarded 53 .6 billion tons of electronic waste , and only the 17.
However, on Earth Day (22, and any other day, consumers can do something to reduce their e-waste footprint. Many of the materials used to make these products can be recovered and reused, including plastics, glass, metal, and aluminum. Apple, for example, claims that its MacBook Air’s 13 inch with Retina display contains more than one 40% recycled material (PDF).
But electronic products can also contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury and cadmium, which must be disposed of carefully. Up to now, 25 states have passed laws requiring people to recycle old electronics. But no matter where you live, there are safe methods to dispose of them.
First, make sure to completely erase all of your personal information. Usually it is not as simple as deleting files. Here you can see how to delete your personal data from a laptop , for example. Once done, these are your options.
1. Take it to a Recycling Center
Many non-profit organizations and local communities offer options to help you recycle old electronic devices. A group called Call2Recycle has drop-off points for rechargeable batteries and cell phones throughout the United States. To find one of these locations, simply enter your zip code at Call2Recycle.org .
Access may be limited due to COVID prevention measures – 19, so before you leave home, be sure to contact the drop-off point to confirm that it is open and accepts recyclable materials.
You can also search for local options by entering your zip code and the product you wish to recycle at the Computer Technology Association Recycling Locator or in Earth’s extensive recycling database 911 . Earth 0001422 also offers telephone assistance by calling 800 – CLEANUP.
For more options or to find out how e-waste is recycled, see Sustainable Electronics Recycling International , which lists certified facilities for electronic recycling .
two. Donate it
If your device still works (or, in many cases, even if it doesn’t) there is probably some charity or non-profit organization that would be happy to take it off your hands. You can start by checking with local senior organizations and recreation centers. Make sure you get a receipt so you can deduct your donation on next year’s tax return. Here are some other programs that can help you get your old devices to the people who need them.
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Dell Reconnect is a association with Goodwill that accepts any brand of computer, as well as “almost anything that can be connected to a computer,” according to the website. You can drop off your used devices at participating Goodwill locations nationwide.
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World Computer Exchange is on a mission to bridge the digital divide in developing countries and promote the proper reuse and recycling of electronic devices. Provides used computers, peripherals and many other types of devices to communities around the world.
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eBay for Charity allows you to sell your used devices (or indeed anything else) and donate part or all of the proceeds to a charity of your choice.
3. Take it to a tech company
Many electronics manufacturers and retailers offer strong recycling programs. A graphic on the website of the Environmental Protection Agency will allows you to search for programs by product or company. The following are just a few of the many programs that allow consumers to recycle old electronics. Check your brand or retailer’s company website for details on their program.
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Amazon offers gift cards in exchange for almost any type of electronic device, as well as music and video game CDs. You can get select items for a limited time in exchange for promotional credit for a new qualifying Amazon device.
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The GiveBack program Apple offers up to $ 1, 530 on gift cards or store credit for select products. The company will also accept and recycle any product that does not qualify.
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Best Buy offers recycling options for a wide range of electronic products, no matter where you bought them.
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Office Depot and Staples offers $ 2 credit on the Shop members of the rewards program for each printer cartridge (with some restrictions) for up to or 20 cartridges per month, respectively. Most printer manufacturers, including HP , Epson and Canon , they also have their own recycling programs.
The Sprint Buyback program offers account credits for cell phones from any operator. For specific details on other phone programs, see the manufacturer’s website.
5 reasons to always recycle
We love our planet, right? Then let’s stop throwing it away. In the television program “ Consumer 101 ”Consumer Reports reveals the 5 items that you should always recycle instead of throwing them away.
Consumer Reports is an independent , nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2021, Consumer Reports, Inc.
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with the advertisers on this site. Consumer Reports is an independent nonprofit organization that works with consumers to create a just, safe, and healthy world. CR does not endorse products or services and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2021, Consumer Reports, Inc.