Recycling electronics can help to significantly decrease e-waste by providing manufacturers with access to parts that would be costly to mine and keeping costs of consumer goods lower.
However, security must always be kept in mind before recycling old hardware. Old hardware can contain sensitive data which cyber criminals could target unless thoroughly scrubbed before recycling.
Repurpose Your Old Computer
Recycling paper, glass, cans and plastics is an efficient and popular way to reduce waste; upcycling old electronics is another effective strategy for cutting down e-waste. By employing some creative thinking and adding some new hardware components, upcycling an obsolete item is often possible and gives it new life!
Donate to charity. Local non-profit organizations will often accept donated gadgets in need of replacement; before disposing of yours, first check with local organizations if they might accept your device as donation or buy refurbished electronics, which are generally more cost effective and help reuse materials rather than creating more for production.
Once your device has reached the end of its useful lifespan, take it to an experienced recycling firm for recycling. They have access to tools that will wipe clean all data contained on your device so no cyber thieves are able to gain entry and steal your personal information.
Repurpose Your Old Phone
One of the key ways to reduce electronic waste is through responsible recycling. Repurposing old electronics instead of disposing them can keep valuable materials such as gold, silver, copper and rare earth elements out of our environment while simultaneously lowering manufacturing costs by decreasing virgin material mining requirements.
Recycling an old phone or other electronics is easy if you make sure your personal data has been erased first and partner with an accredited recycler like ARCOA that has received AAA status from NAID.
Cell Phones for Soldiers and Rainforest Connection are eager to accept donations of used phones as donations. You can request a prepaid shipping label online to donate them, after which your device will be dismantled and sorted, with batteries, screens, circuit boards and metal components salvaged and recycled into other devices or products.
Repurpose Your Old Tablet
If you don’t feel ready to say goodbye to your old tablet just yet, there are still creative ways you can give it new purpose. Charities such as Medic Mobile accept used Android devices and use the proceeds from sales of those phones to purchase new phones for health workers in Africa, Asia and Latin America who rely on these phones in emergency situations and disease outbreaks. To donate your old phone visit Medic Mobile website today.
Your old device could also be sold online using websites like Poshmark or eBay; just make sure all personal information has been deleted prior to selling! Alternatively, a recycling firm like Great Lakes Electronics Corporation provides equipment cleanup so it doesn’t fall into cyberthieves’ hands.
Repurpose Your Old Laptop
E-waste is an increasingly pervasive global issue that poses serious threats to the environment. Electronic waste contains toxic materials which may damage ecosystems or lead to health concerns; technology-advanced countries are major producers and generators, often disposing of their devices incorrectly, leading to wasteful resource consumption. Recycling and upcycling practices should be pursued as sustainable strategies in order to minimize e-waste production.
Upcycling is an artful way of recycling old electronics and furniture that would otherwise end up collecting dust in your basement. Upcyclers can transform these old pieces into works of art, one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture, or something functional for their home using just some basic tools and their imagination. Anyone can upcycle an item and give it new life! For more information about reducing electronic waste contact your local recycler to learn about their services as well as helpful tips on how to do so effectively.
