Society’s reliance on electronic products has only increased over the years. More people have several connected devices that eventually lose value. Where do these obsolete devices go once they are deemed useless?
The unfortunate answer is that electronic waste, known as e-waste, ends up in landfills when not properly disposed of. Landfills are piling up with e-waste — it reportedly makes up more than 5% of municipal solid garbage worldwide.
What Is E-Waste?
E-waste consists of electronic products that have lost their value and reached the end of their useful life. This includes products that are broken, outdated or unwanted.
Here are some products that are considered e-waste:
- Desktop computers
- Laptops
- Cellphones
- Tablets
- VCRs
- Televisions
- DVD players
- Video game consoles
- Hard drives
- Exercise equipment
Here are 10 tips you can keep in mind when you find old electronics in your home or upgrade to the latest iPhone model.
Tips for Recycling E-Waste
Aside from harming the environment, e-waste can have adverse effects on human health, including:
- Exposure to harmful substances
- Effects on the development of unborn children
- Air and water pollution
Mitigate the harsh effects of e-waste piling up in landfills by following some of the recycling tips outlined below.
1. Use the One-in, Two-Out Rule
This rule is simple — as soon as you purchase a new device, appliance or anything electronic, consider disposing of two more electronic products. This will prevent you from hoarding items and may even free up storage space in your home. One of the best ways to manage e-waste is to limit what you own.
2. Sell Electronics on Digital Platforms
Many third-party selling apps are available on the iOS App Store and the Google Play store. Some to consider are OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace or eBay. One website, Decluttr, will even pay you for your old or unwanted electronics. Rather than dispose of them and contribute to the stream of e-waste, sell them and earn a bit of cash.
3. Find Your Local Recycling Facility
Before throwing old electronics away, consider contacting your local authorities to find out where the local recycling facility is. Bring your devices there, and they’ll handle the rest. A simple Google search can show you where the closest place is. Throw your old, broken or unwanted items into your car and drop them off when you’re running errands.
4. Contact Local Businesses to Sell Electronics
Small businesses tend to have limited funding to operate, so they may greatly benefit when you donate your electronics. Depending on the industry they serve, an old tablet that can be refurbished may transform that company for the better.
5. Donate Devices to Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations could also benefit from your generosity. Donations are greatly appreciated and useful for tax purposes, so consider giving some electronics to any charities in need.
6. Wipe Devices Before Recycling Them
It’s critical to restore your electronics to factory settings before donating, selling or recycling them. The last thing you want is for someone to take advantage of the information you left on your old, unwanted device. Be sure to safely back up your sensitive data using an external hard drive and wipe your items before offloading them.
7. Remember to Recycle Electronics’ Packaging
While e-waste is the primary concern of this post, it’s also important to recognize that cardboard and plastic packaging can negatively affect the environment. Be sure to check your local recycling procedures to learn how you can safely discard these boxes.
8. Visit the EPA Website
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a great online resource if you’re looking to recycle your electronic devices effectively. You can even search on its website how to dispose of specific types of electronics.
9. Check Store Buy-Back Programs
Many retailers, such as Best Buy, Staples, Apple and even Amazon, offer programs specifically designed to curtail e-waste and make it easier for you to recycle your electronics safely. You can check in-store or online to see if stores in your area are participating.
10. Minimize Electronic Purchases
One of the best ways to limit your personal e-waste footprint is to minimize the number of electronics you buy. Keep track of your electronics and decide if you really need them. Once you’ve chosen which products are still worth holding onto, consider following the tips above for recycling them.
Protect the Environment by Recycling E-Waste
Before tossing your unwanted products in the trash, consider recycling them at a local facility, selling them on a digital platform like Decluttr or donating them to an organization in your community. This will reduce the amount of e-waste in landfills and safeguard the planet’s and humans’ health.
