Decluttering & Disposing of Electronics
Technology seems to have taken over our lives and our homes leading us with yet another thing that brings clutter with it. From boxes with instructions to cords and cables, what do you do with all of the extra? How do you properly and responsibly dispose of electronics?
And what do you do with the old ones when you upgrade and replace?
I’ll leave the device wiping and cleaning to you but know that you should clear off any old data before disposal. There are steps to do so here and I’ve also heard of people using magnets and hammers.
Here are the ways to properly and responsibly get rid of the phones, computers, tablets, etc. that you no longer need or want.
At the top of the “easy” pile are Apple products. You can take Apple phones, tablets, laptops, and desktops to an Apple store and they will recycle them for you. I’d just grab the cords, too, so you can dump it all in one place. They also have a trade-in program to apply to the purchase of products but they’ve got to be on the newer side.
Electronics stores like Best Buy and Staples offer computer and printer recycling. Amazon also allows you to ship it to them for free if you go through their Trade In program.
You can click here to search for a certified electronics recycling center in your area.
Here are 20 places you can donate cell phones.
Take extra, unidentified cords and cables to your local recycling center if they accept them. You can go to earth911. to search for the electronics recycling center near you.
If anything still works, it can be donated to a nearby Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other donation resource. Just include all of the necessary instructions and accessories. This helps you to get rid of ALL of it!
Boxes and extra paperwork can be recycled at any time. You do not have to keep the boxes forever! Especially if you no longer have the device.
As soon as you acquire new technology that is replacing another (e.g. phone, tablet, tv), gather the old and all of its cords, cables, and instructions and recycle, sell, or donate. Don’t keep it “just in case” otherwise you’ll have a collection of old electronics that you never used and can’t remember why you kept it.
Bonus points if you actually label the new cords as you unbox them! So many times we just throw them in a drawer and forget what they went to. Take a few minutes to label them so you don’t forget!
Did I forget anything? Feel free to email me with your suggestions for responsible electronics disposal.