How to Recycle Electronic Devices

With the holidays around the corner, it's the time when people think of gifts, huge sale, Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales and of course, electronic upgrades. When we upgrade our TVs, computers, cellphones, radios, and other electronic device, the next question is "How do we properly dispose of our electronic devices?" Scrapped electronics become electronic waste or what we call e-waste. E-waste contains hazardous substances like lead and mercury that contaminate landfills and our drinking water. Here are a few tips on how to properly dispose of electronic devices.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• unwanted electronic device/s
• computer to search where to recycle

1. Find out what electronic device can be recycled. Examples are:
   
   Televisions
   Computer Monitors
   Computers (CPUs)
   Laptops
   Keyboards
   Printers
   Mice
   Hard Drives
   Fax Machines
   Microwave Ovens
   DVD Players
   VCRs
   Cables and Cords
   Telephones
   Cell Phones
   Radios
   Shredders
   Stereo Components
   Power Supplies
   Tape and Zip Drives

2. Consider leasing before you upgrade your electronic device. Some manufacturers offer leasing options such as Apple, HP, IBM, NEC and Sun.
   
   Check the model of the device you are planning to buy. Is it the latest model? Remember, new models are released frequently. If you think a new model will come out soon with better features, it might be worth to wait and lease first.

3. Donate your old electronic device. You can give it to a family member or friend who needs it and will treasure your unwanted device. You can also donate to schools and non-profit organizations (e.g. Goodwill) that accept old electronics. Remember, donations are tax deductible. Check if your city offers programs to collect electronic waste.

4. How about make money by reselling them? Here are a few places that offer Electronic Device Trade-In Program for cash:
   
   a. Toshiba - With the Toshiba Free Electronic Program you can recycle your old electronics regardless of the brand and at no cost to you. They also provide a trade in option for cash.
   
   b. Costco Trade-In and Recycle Program accepts computers, MP3 players, monitors, game systems, camcorders, cameras, PDAs, etc. for cash trade-in.
   
   c. Apple offers free recycling program that will take back your iPod or any cell phone, regardless of manufacturer or model. You will also get a 10 percent discount on the purchase of a new iPod.
   
   d. Gateway accepts trade-in or free recycle of your old Gateway products. Their Trade-In & Recycle Program is powered by Dealtree. They offer cash for your old electronic device.
   
   e. HP offers trade, return for cash, recycle or donate program for your unwanted HP or non-HP products.
   
   f. Myboneyard - Recycle your old PCs, cell phones, and laptops online at Myboneyard.com and get monetary rewards for your products.
   
   g. Recyclewirelessphones.com helps you locate a local donation center, find a charity you want to support, direct you to a mail-back program or direct you to an on-line auction where you can sell your old cellphone/s.
   
   h. Venjuvo - Trade in your old or unwanted electronic device for cash or store credit at http://www.venjuvo.com
   
   i. Flipswap offers trade-in program for your old cell phones and ipod for CASH or store credit like Amazon.
   
   j. Sell your cellphone for cash at Pacebutler.
   
   k. Wirefly also offers cellphone recycling trade-in program for cash.
   
   l. Other places that accept cell phone trade-ins for cash:
   
   Cellforcash (http://www.cellforcash.com/)
   Cellphone2cash (http://cellphone2cash.com/)
   PhoneIsCash (http://phoneiscash.com/scripts/win1000.asp)

5. When you upgrade your electronic devices, buy products that our Green. Are they energy efficient? Meaning, do they use less energy, help you save money, and protect the environment? Consider the materials used to build the device. Are they lead free? Can they be easily upgraded?

Tips & Warnings

• Consider recycling or donating your old electronic devices and put our old items to good use.
• Please remove telephone and radio batteries before donating or recycling.

Resources

• Earth 911
• ASL Recycling
• Lease Apple Electronic Device
• Lease HP Electronic Device
• Lease IBM Electronic Device
• Lease NEC Electronic Device
• Lease Sun Microsystems Electronic Device
• Toshiba Free Electronic Program
• Costco Trade-In and Recycle Program
• Apple Free Recycling Program
• Gateway Trade-In or Recycle Program
• HP Trade-In and Recycle Program
• MyBoneyard Phone Trade-In
• Recycle Wireless Phones
• Venjuvo
• Flipswap
• Pacebutler
• Wirefly

[huanton]

on 10/21/2008 Good tips! Great article! 5 stars!