As new technologies continue to emerge, our piles of obsolete gadgets grow. While some choose to sit on their accumulated wealth outdated electronics for decades, others simply throw it away. Many of the materials found in consumer electronics, however, can have negative impact on the environment if improperly disposed of.
Fortunately, there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives that will enable you to clear some clutter with a clear conscience, some of which can even save you money.
So before you bid your old smartphone or game console adieu, consider one these e-cycling solutions.
The most effective way to remove junk electronics from your life is to simply bring it all to someone who can handle the disposal for you. A number of resources can be found online that will point you in the direction of an e-cycler, but how do you choose? Your first stop should be e-Stewards.org.
The thing about e-Stewards is that any registered recyclers within the network meet a certain set of specifications. Your recyclables won’t be shipped out to a developing nation, where they can create more problems than they fix, and all certified recyclers must adhere to a strict set of standards laid out on the e-Stewards website. The downside is the network isn’t too widely spread, so there’s a chance you won’t find any convenient location to bring your stuff to. Your best bet is to check the e-Stewards Recyclers locations page.
Alternatively, the EPA website is a great resource for learning more about e-cycling and finding dropoff locations near you while MRM Recycling is another nationwide service with drop-off locations of its own.
Maybe your car is busted. Or non-existent. Or you’re lazy. And mass transit isn’t an option… because you’re lazy. Fret not, friends. The Internet is here to save you again.
Most electronics manufacturers offer some sort of recycling program for their old or broken products. It’s free too in most cases, and you can sometimes even earn added benefits. Take Apple, for instance. The company’s recycling program offers you money off on a replacement purchase/upgrade when you trade in your obsolete equipment. You can actually send in any computer, Mac or PC, and receive a gift card that is good for Apple products in return.
Source: IGN Gear
By Adam Rosenberg