How to Recycle Electronic Gadgets

Recycling is the process of taking old materials or items and giving them a second life in order to reduce consumption and limit the creation of new products. Improper disposal of electronic gadgets could potentially lead to dangerous toxic and environmentally harmful chemicals like arsenic, mercury and lead being released into our waste stream. You can recycle, reuse or even repurpose an unwanted electronic gadget a number of ways. As people are increasingly aware of our collective environmental responsibility, recycling electronic gadgets is becoming a standard practice.

Instructions

1. Examine the condition of the electronic gadget that you would like to recycle. Determine whether the gadget is in working condition, if it can still be used for parts, or if it is totally inoperable.

2. Decide how you would like to recycle your electronic gadget depending upon your estimation of the item’s condition.

3. Take your gadget to a recycling center for electronics, no matter what its condition. Check the Internet or call your local municipality government to locate recycling services in your area. Drop you electronic gadget off at a recycling center.

4. Sell your item for parts or refurbishing. List your electronic gadget on auction sites like eBay or classified sites like Craigslist and be explicit in describing its condition. Find a local electronics store that purchases used items for refurbishing.

5. Locate programs on the Internet that accept used electronic gadgets to be recycled or donated to people in need.

Tips & Warnings

• Recellular Inc. is “the world’s leading sustainability firm” and it accepts refurbished and used mobile phones and PDAs. EBay optionally allows you to donate a portion of auction earnings to charity.

References

• Town of Hempstead Sanitation: E-Cycling

Resources

• American Red Cross: Phones for Haiti
• Recellular Inc.