5 Places to Take your Electronic Junk Electronic gadgets make life easier and more enjoyable. However, they also contribute to land, air and water pollution when they are not disposed carefully. The debate about e-waste management has found its way to many environmental forums and workshops, with governments, bodies and experts doing anything they can to find solutions for the problem. Most people know the best ways to deal with their ordinary waste from their homes but it is a different kettle of fish altogether when it comes to electronics recycling. Where do you take your old phones, computers and other gadgets, you have stuffed in your garage? Let’s try to help you. Here are five places you can drop off your e-baggage: Local e- waste management center Some states have e-waste management programs, where you can take old phones, computers and other electronics. The centers are established to ensure electronics and computers do not get into the dumpsite, hence, endangering the environment. If you live in a state in the US, EPA has a list of companies providing electronic waste recycling and management services. For example, there is Chicago electronics recycling program, for all the e-waste produced in the state. If you have old computers, phones or any other electronic that is beyond repair, do not hesitate to take it to the e-waste drop off locations, in your neighborhood. Sell them If the electronics are in good condition, you can sell them. Craigslist and eBay are popular buyers for old computers, phones and other gadgets. Gather all those items, which you do not need that are restraining space in your home and sell them. Even if they will cost less than you paid for them, they will fetch you some good money for financing other upgraded gadgets. Return to the manufacturer Most manufactures of electronics, have recycling programs, which allow the consumer to return back old gadgets. For instance, companies such as Dell, HP, and Apple among others take in old items and in some cases allow you to get a new device at a subsidized price. You can take your PC for computer recycle by your manufacturer. Some cell phone manufacturers also offer recycling programs. Donate Another way of ensuring your e-waste stays off the environment is by donating electronics that are old but not damaged. You can donate the computers to schools and other charitable organizations. However, do remember to do comprehensive data destruction to protect your vital information from getting into the wrong hands. Recycle
If the above four ways will not work for you, do not release the computer parts or the phones to the local dumpsite. Instead, you can learn simple ways of recycling old electronics. There are people who have turned their old PCs into aquariums and sculptors. You can do this too; all you need is some creativity. E-waste releases hazardous compounds into the ecological systems. This can have detrimental effects on people as well as to the fauna and flora. It is very important to handle e-waste appropriately. If you have electronics and computers that you no longer use or need, use the above ways of safely recycling and managing electronic waste.