How to Get Rid of e-Waste or Technology Trash

Recycling is the name of the game when it comes to e-waste.

As electronic equipment gets cheaper and updated models more frequent, Americans are tossing their e-waste in record numbers. Cell phones, computers, TVs, digital music players, CD players, DVDs, VCRs, printers, mice, scanners, speakers, rechargeable batteries... all of these can become toxic technology trash.

Things You'll Need

• A desire to dispose of electronics responsibly
• Equipment or technology you no longer want/need

Instructions

1. Contact your local and state governments. Find out what your city, county and state have to offer in terms of electronics recycling programs. Some cities and counties have hazardous waste trash pick-up days where they will either pick up, or your can bring to them, any hazardous waste you have collecting in your garage. This might include e-waste and technology trash.

2. Contact the manufacturer of the equipment you no longer need and ask if it has a take-back or buy-back program. If not, contact the electronics store you purchased the equipment from. Major electronic retailers are now, in most cases, accepting most types of e-waste and technology trash, including old computers, cell phones and music players.

3. Donate your used electronic equipment to businesses that refurbish them for charities, non-profits, schools and thrift stores. Why not turn your e-waste and technology trash into something beneficial for both you and others. Donate your equipment to certified programs to help the needy and get a tax deduction to boot.

4. Donate your equipment to programs/organizations that sell components, such as aluminum and plastics, for scrap. This takes recycling your soda cans to a whole new level. Check your local listings and contact your local recycling companies to see if there are programs that turn your old electronics into scrap.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to remove any personal information from computers or cell phones before recycling them.

References

• United States Environmental Protection Agency: eCycling