With Moore’s law in full swing, it seems like every day brings the release of new technology. This is great for those of us who love to play with the latest gadgets, but it also means that e-waste is increasing at an exponential rate as we toss old technology into the dump.
This can lead to a variety of health and environmental concerns, as nasty chemicals like lead, cadmium, mercury, brominated flame retardants and hexavalentchromium compounds leak into the ground and water supply. There are a number of ways to avoid such a fate, as long as we think strategically about what to do with our old devices before we chuck them into the bin.
Re-Sells and Buy Backs
If you’re going to splurge on a new device, why not recoup some of the costs of the old one? Re-sell options are available on a number of sites, including Amazon and eBay. Just write a description of the device, upload good photos and let the bidding and buying begin.
Buy back and trade-in programs won’t be as profitable as selling items directly, but they’re also a good option for people who don’t have the time or desire to track sales, answer potential buyer questions and monitor bids. eBay Instant, Gazelle, Nextworth, BuyMyTronics and Trade2Save are just a few companies that will take your used laptops, digital cameras and other digital devices. They’ll handle the entire sales process, meaning upfront cash for you and less worry.
Source: Care2. com
ByAdria Saracino