Recycling Smart Devices: What To Do with Your Old Tech Gear

November 20, 2024

When we randomly throw away unwanted tech devices that will end up in a landfill, we're adding to one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. Small devices like phones, tablets, laptops and chargers add about 11 billion pounds of electronic waste, or e-waste, to our environment.

The impact is grim. For one, it heavily adds to our global carbon footprint. Additionally, toxic materials like lead, mercury and other contaminants can be released into the soil and bodies of water near the sites of the waste. This leads to dangerous health consequences for people in the area.

Currently, less than one quarter of discarded devices are recycled properly. The UN estimates that if we could get those tech recycling numbers up to 60% worldwide, we'd have a chance at improving health consequences, decreasing pollution and safely recovering some of the valuable natural resources within the devices.

So, whether you're wondering about the best way to discard a phone or what to do with an old TV, we've got a few steps you can take to play your part in improving your electronic waste recycling.

Look into buyback programs for old computers and other e-waste

Many retailers or providers are recognizing the need to recycle unwanted devices. Check these sites if you're hoping to trade in your device, potentially for some money back on your upgrade:

• Best Buy - Best Buy has a trade-in program where you can get a discount on an upgrade purchased from the store. If you're simply looking to get rid of an item, you can drop it off at any Best Buy and they'll recycle it for you. If there isn't a location near you, you can also mail it in.
• Apple - If you're looking to upgrade items like iPhones, iPads or other Apple electronics, you can trade in your old devices for a discount on your new item.
• Amazon - Got old Amazon tech like a Kindle or an Echo? Amazon offers a trade-in for your upgrade. They'll also refurbish or recycle non-Amazon products like Apple, Samsung or Google smartphones, as well as gaming systems, often in exchange for an Amazon gift card.
• Staples - Staples lets you drop off electronics at the store or mail them in, and they'll recycle for you.

Sell or donate electronic waste

Getting your devices into new hands minimizes the number of new gadgets other people will have to buy, reducing the amount of overall waste. If you're looking to sell your device for a little cash, check out our guide here on how to safely sell tech.

If you don't want to go through the hassle of selling a phone on a site like eBay or Craigslist, you can see if your area has an ecoATM kiosk. Find one at selected Walmart, Dollar General and Kroger locations and receive cash for devices.

To donate old devices, check your local libraries, mutual aid organizations or church groups to see if they're accepting electronic device donations. Or look into these places to donate:

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline accepts old electronic donations of nearly any kind, and the proceeds go to help their organizations.
• Secure the Call donates emergency cellphones to elderly people, victims of domestic violence and other vulnerable populations. You can download a shipping label from them and mail them your cleaned-out device.
• GreenDrop accepts most electronic donations (as well as items like appliances, toy and tools). Depending on your location, they might be able to pick it up right from your home, or you can find a drop-off location near you.

Look for e-waste recycling programs in your area

Many communities have designated dates where you can drop off unwanted electronics. Check local newspapers or municipal and neighborhood websites for the latest info.

You can also use the Consumer Technology Association's Greener Gadgets Recycle Locater. They pull up a map of the closest retailers, recycling sites and drop-off locations that accept electronic donations, often including info about when they're open or what they accept.

Earth911 is another good resource, especially if you have other hard-to-recycle items you want to get rid of. You just type your zip code and the kind of material you're trying to unload, and their database will direct you to nearby options.

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