Electronics such as TVs, smartphones, computers, tablets, and smartwatches have become a huge part of our everyday lives. They have integrated so seamlessly that we barely notice how much we rely on them. And it would be very hard to imagine a world in which our modern-day gadgets didn’t exist.
So when that phone dies, computer fizzles out or television gets fuzzy, what do you do with your e-waste? Don’t sweat! Read on for some great resources and info about what constitutes e-waste, e-waste recycling near you, e-waste management, and who to call to pick it up for you for an affordable price.
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So, What Is E-Waste?
E-waste, short for electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic devices. The definition includes a wide range of items like old computers, TVs, cell phones, printers, and even smaller things like toasters or hairdryers.
The problem with e-waste pollution is that it’s not just regular trash. Many of these devices contain harmful materials like lead, mercury, or cadmium, which can be dangerous if not disposed of properly.
That’s why it’s essential to recycle or safely dispose of e-waste, to protect our environment and health.
Electronics Crisis: What Percent of E-Waste is Recycled?
Eventually your devices become outdated or obsolete and it’s time to cast them aside for something new. Ideally, that old computer or old TV gets traded in and disposed of responsibly through electronics recycling.
Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. In 2016, nearly 45 million tons of e-waste was thrown in the trash, but only 20% of that e-waste was recycled.
This doesn’t mean that responsibly disposing of our electronics is impossible. Electronics recycling is not only good for the earth, but good for the economy as well. Precious metals, plastics, steel, and other materials are important in the production of new electronics.
When you recycle your old electronics, these materials are extracted and reused in making new electronics. In 2015, electronics giant Apple recycled and reused $40 million worth of gold from e-waste.
Recycling your electronics rather than dumping them in a landfill ensures that hazardous materials are kept out of the air, water, and soil.
About a quarter of the states in the U.S. have passed laws that require electronics such as old TVs, computers and circuit boards to be recycled. Even if not mandated by law, most areas offer accessible methods for e-waste recycling.
States With Electronics Waste Recycling Laws
How Can We Reduce E-Waste?
Reducing e-waste starts with us! First, think before you buy new electronics. Ask, “Do I really need this?” If your old device still works, keep using it. If you do buy new electronics, choose something that will last for a few years.
Another way to reduce e-waste is to donate or sell your old, but still working, devices. This gives them a new life instead of ending up as waste.
Recycling is also key. You can drop off old electronics at special recycling centers. They will know how to safely handle and recycle these items, keeping them out of landfills.
How to Get E-Waste Recycling Near You
Before disposing of your old electronics, you’ll want to make sure you delete any personal information or files that may be on them. You probably ought to go ahead and perform a factory reset as well.
Once all of your sensitive data has been wiped, you have a few options for responsibly disposing of your e-waste.
Recycling Your Old Electronics
Many charities and local businesses offer electronics recycling programs and events. Check your community calendar and message boards for recycling opportunities in your area.
You can also check with Call2Recycle to see if they have a drop-off location near you for smaller e-waste items like cell phones and batteries.
Special e-waste collection days are offered by most cities. You can call your city hall or check your town’s website to find out when these are held.
If you’re interested in learning just how e-waste gets recycled, you can find plenty of information at Earth911.
How to Donate Your E-Waste
If your old computer, old television set, or other old electronics are still in working order (and maybe even if they’re not), you can donate them to a local charity.
Many organizations such as Goodwill and Salvation Army accept donations of electronic goods for resale in their thrift shops. You may also be able to find other nonprofits in your area who will accept your used electronics for donation.
Dell Reconnect is a program that partners with Goodwill to provide computer recycling. They take old computers of any brand and in any condition and have over 2,000 drop-off locations across the United States.
The World Computer Exchange provides used computers, equipment, and many other types of electronics to underserved communities around the world. They accept donations of old computers and other electronics that are still in good condition through drop-off at local chapters and through mail at their central chapter in Massachusetts.
Electronics Take-Back Programs
There are some electronics recycling programs offered by retailers and manufacturers as well. Most electronics manufacturers will only accept e-waste of their own brand, but there are a few that will take any type or brand of e-waste.
You can check a manufacturer’s website to see if they will take your old computer or old TV for recycling. You can also look at most major electronics retailers’ websites to get more information on recycling options they might offer.
Some companies even offer monetary rewards for disposing of your e-waste through their programs. Some good manufacturers and retailers to start your search with are Apple, Sprint, Best Buy, and Staples.
Affordable E-Waste Pickup and Recycling Services
While all of the options listed above are excellent ways to responsibly dispose of your e-waste through electronics recycling, there are considerations such as making sure you are able to transport your old electronics, as well as the fact that you may have to wait a few weeks for the next recycling opportunity to be offered.
Need quick electronics recycling? BOOK A PICKUP ❯
If you don’t have the transportation or time to take your e-waste to be recycled, you can call a junk removal service like LoadUp to help you recycle your old TV or computer.
Once you book your pick-up online or over the phone, LoadUp will pick up your e-waste items and take them to the nearest facility for recycling or donation. LoadUp believes in green living, so items they pick up are recycled or donated instead of going straight to the dump.
LoadUp provides you with an upfront, honest price without any hidden fees and picks up your electronics on your schedule. If you only have a single item to be picked up, like an old computer or an old TV, LoadUp will take it. LoadUp bases their prices on an item count, so there is no minimum load requirement, unlike with other junk removal services. LoadUp also features prices 20-30% lower than other junk removal services.
With nationwide service and removal of a full array of junk items, debris, garbage and waste, it’s easy to see why LoadUp is the #1 choice for junk removal for over 40,000 happy customers.
Why wait around for weeks (or months) when you can have LoadUp pick it up and have your electronics recycled for you? If you book your appointment online or over the phone today, LoadUp can pick up your old TV, old computer, or other e-waste as soon as tomorrow.
Check out what else we take here, or book an appointment online here.
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