As one year ends and another begins, it’s time to consider
the consequences of holding on to
electronics you no longer use. As technological innovation skyrockets,
more and more consumers are buying into the the convenience and assurance that
electronic devices bring with them.
But these advances also create e-waste. The results are hard
to miss. At this very moment, the e-waste in your home or office may be
increasing with no end in sight. Thankfully, there is a solution, and it’s
called recycling.
In fact, there are several ways to reduce e-waste this
holiday season. In addition to recycling,
buy back programs and donating seem to be the leaders of the pack. Here
are seven ways to reduce e-waste this holiday season.
1. Responsibly
Discard Old Cell Phones
Did you know you can take your old cell phones to several
retail stores for recycling collection? Most cell phone servicers such as
Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile already have programs in place for consumers to
return old devices to the store for responsible recycling so be sure to ask
about details.
Beyond cell phone servicers, stores like Best Buy and
Staples also make it easy to discard old phones.
Best Buy even offers convenient drop-off slots
in the lobby of most of their stores for cell phones as well as other mobile
devices like tablets and phone cords and chargers. The best thing about it –
it’s all free.
2. Responsibly
Discard Old Appliances
It may seem like a chore to get rid of an old appliance, but
refrigerators, freezers, stoves microwaves and more are just as much in need of
responsible recycling as other, smaller devices. It’s best to keep abreast of
ways to responsibly discard these, especially if newer items are on the way or
already in place.
The increase of recycling programs around the country is
making it a lot easier to properly dispose large appliances. Understandably,
it’s still illegal in most states to set these out curbside or dump them in a
clandestine abandoned lot, but if you can find a
responsible
recycler, large devices need virtually no preparation for drop-off.
However, in some cases, liquids or refrigerants in fridges and freezers must
first be removed, so it’s wise to be sure.
In addition, you may be able to receive cash or rebates on
certain brands of appliances.
Energy
Star, the EPA voluntary energy efficiency program, offers special
rebates on its appliances when they’re responsibly returned for disposal.
3. Responsibly
Discard Old Computers
Clunky computers from the 80’s era advent of technological
are the behemoth versions of today’s sleek, new consoles and flat screens, but
they may still be lingering in garages and closets around the US. If your home
or office has become a bit of a tech graveyard consider reducing the e-waste by
donating, repairing or recycling.
Even newer model desktops and laptops need proper disposal.
These often contain hazardous materials such as lead and mercury, as well as
valuable precious metals such as gold and silver that can be harvested for
reuse. Definitely don’t toss these devices in the trash or dump them illegally.
For information on retailers that collect old computers for free, check out
this convenient EPA
list.
4. Participate in
Mail Back Programs
A number of electronic
recyclers may have in place certain programs
that allow a device to be mailed back to the recycling center for proper
disposal. These programs tend to focus on small electronics such as cellphones
and tablets, and come in handy when you live outside of driving distance from
the nearest electronic recycling center. The program may even offer
convenient
packaging and shipping supplies for safe and sustainable shipping.
5. Participate in Buy
Back Programs
Another useful program during the holidays is the buy back
programs offered at electronics retailers and through a number of electronics
manufacturers. For instance, Sprint offers its buy back program for all mobile
devices and allows customers to receive up to $300 in credit. In fact, most buy
back programs offer either store credit or a percentage discount on the sale of
a new device in exchange for an old electronic device. The latter is true for
Apple, which offers 10% off a new device when any old Apple device is brought
in for exchange.
The benefits possible through most buy back programs depend
heavily on the condition of the device. The value of your buy back may also
depend on the particular model you’re offering as well as supply and demand.
Check out the program over at Half Price Books. It offers
cash for
old electronics which are then donated to non-profits or sent for responsible
recycling.
6. Trade-in Your
Device
Yet another option is to trade in your old electronic device
for a new device. Trade-in programs different from buy backs in that credit and
discounts are typically not included. Rather, the old device works much like a
vehicle trade-in exchange, where the retailer or manufacturer can offer an offset
price for the trade. Again, these exchanges depend heavily on the condition of
the device at the time of the trade. GameStop, Dell and Microsoft all have
trade-in programs in place.
7. Donate Your
Electronics
The EPA wisely recommends
donating your electronics as a way to safely
and responsibly discard them after use. The agency’s
SMM Electronics Challenge Program offers a
number of opportunities for electronics donations through a network of
participants throughout the country. Participants are manufacturers and
businesses committed to collecting electronic devices for recycling via a
certified
recycler.
Apart from the SMM Challenge, there may be a non-profit in
your area willing to take on an old computer, television or other electronic
device that is in good working condition. Most of these donations are
tax-deductible depending on the tax status of the organization, so be sure to
inquire first.
Reduce E-waste This
Holiday Season
There is no time as busy as the holiday season when the old
becomes new and a new year begins. It’s also a time to seriously consider
disposing and discarding your outgoing e-waste in a responsible way.
Considering that e-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the nation,
safely discarding your e-waste during the holidays is a smart move for all of
us.