In today’s society, electronic waste, or “e-waste,” is a growing issue. According to the United Nations Global Ewaste Monitor, over 50 million metric tons of e-waste were produced globally in 2019, and only 17.4 per cent of it was collected and recycled. As more people dispose of their electronics, the problem will continue to grow.
The solution is not just to recycle, but to do so responsibly. There are many ways to dispose of your electronics responsibly, and here are some ideas to help you get started.
Use devices for longer
Before disposing of your devices, consider using them for a little longer. Instead of constantly upgrading, see if you can get more use out of your current device. If you must buy a new one, do your research to find ethical and eco-friendly electronics. Look for manufacturers and retailers with trade-in and recycling programs.
The older devices get, the less positive impact they can make.
You can also buy used or refurbished products on eBay, Amazon, or directly from manufacturers like Apple and Samsung.
Pass devices on
If your electronics are still in good condition, consider passing them on to friends, family, or neighbors who can use them. This is the best way to get the most value out of your electronics. You can also use sites like the Freecycle Network or local Buy Nothing groups to find people interested in free electronics.
Repair and refurbish
Repairing or refurbishing your electronics before disposing of them is a smart move. iFixit is an excellent resource for step-by-step repair guides covering phones, tablets, laptops, computers, game consoles, and cameras.
YouTube also has many repair videos, and there are repair techs like Louis Rossmann, Jessa Jones, Ben’s Appliances and Junk, and Rich Rebuilds who offer repair tips. If you prefer face-to-face interaction, look for a repair café in your area.
The Restart Project is a good resource for those in the UK looking to repair or donate devices.
Sell or trade
If you want to make some money, you can sell old devices even if they are broken. Broken devices can be sold for parts, and you can get a higher fee if you clean and repair them first. You can sell directly to people through eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor.
You can also consider using Swappa, DeCluttr, or GadgetPickup, which offer online questionnaires to determine a price and often provide free postage.
Instead of dropping devices off for repair, you may sit with the expert and learn how to troubleshoot for yourself.
Take-back or trade-in programs are another options, but you may not make as much as you would through a sale, and often you might get your fee as store credit.
Donate
If you want your old electronics to do some good, consider donating them to worthy causes. Goodwill is a great option because the company has a strong reuse hierarchy and aims to get as much as it can out of electronics before recycling them.
You can also find local charities that accept electronics through Donation Town. Nonprofits like Cell Phones for Soldiers and Recycle Health accept old cell phones and fitness trackers, respectively, and put them to good use.
Research and recycle
If your electronics cannot be reused, you should recycle them responsibly. Many places, like Best Buy and Staples, will accept and recycle your old electronics. Local facilities that handle electronics for reuse and recycling sometimes have community drop-off events, and local municipalities often have electronics collections once or twice a year.
It’s important to note that not all recycling centres and schemes are equal. The R2 Standard, administered by SERI, sets best practices for protecting the environment, worker health and safety, and natural resources.
Don’t let devices hibernate in a junk drawer or closet and waste away.
You can find R2 Certified facilities that ensure any used electronics are processed responsibly, including any residual data on devices. SERI also has a search tool to find R2 Certified facilities.
In conclusion, it is important to dispose of your electronics responsibly. There are many ways to do this, including using devices for longer, passing them on to others, repairing or refurbishing them, selling or trading them, donating them to worthy causes, and recycling them responsibly.
By doing so, we can reduce the amount of e-waste produced, protect the environment and natural resources, and promote worker health and safety.
So, the next time you’re thinking about getting rid of your old electronics, remember to do so responsibly.
