Electronics such as smartphones and computers are so much a part of everyday life that it would be difficult for most people to imagine living without them. They’re also items that people upgrade frequently, leaving the older models to waste away in landfills. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. While frequent electronics upgrades are a reality these days, engaging in a bit of creative thinking can keep the harmful chemicals contained within many of them out of landfills.
Preparing Electronic Items for Recycling
Regardless of which method a person uses for getting rid of unwanted electronics, it’s important to remove all personal information and images from them first. That means wiping clean computer hard drives, deleting all data from smartphones, and removing any rechargeable batteries before donating, recycling, or selling these items. The last step is especially important because rechargeable batteries can cause significant environmental harm in landfills.
Try to Sell Electronics Still in Good Condition
Just because someone has upgraded to a newer version of an electronic item doesn’t mean that another person couldn’t benefit from the older version. Placing an ad in a free directory such as Craig’s List, listing the item for sale on an online auction site, or selling the item to a company that specializes in purchasing and reselling old electronics can help people earn some extra cash while making an electronics purchase more affordable for someone else.
Donate the Item to Charity
Non-profit organizations that work with a limited budget might appreciate a donation of an old computer or smartphone. Some will even pick up larger items like television sets or pay the postage for people to send in smaller items. It’s always best to check with a charitable organization before attempting to drop off or send the item. If no one offers a receipt, the person donating the electronics items should ask for one if they intend to claim a charitable donation tax write-off.
Rent a Dumpster
Homeowners getting rid of television sets and other large electronic items in a single purge can consider renting a dumpster from the city and placing everything outside for curbside pick-up. However, they need to check to make sure that the city will accept all electronics they would like to place inside of the dumpster first. This option can be especially convenient because it doesn’t require any type of sorting to use the portable dumpster.
Hire a Junk Hauling Company
Sometimes people don’t have the time or desire to sell, donate, or work with the city to get rid of unwanted electronic items. Working with a junk dealer can be the best alternative in this case. All the homeowner needs to do is schedule an appointment for pick-up and direct the junk hauling staff to the items when they arrive to take them away. There’s no heavy lifting involved, and the unwanted electronics are out of sight, out of mind. Best of all, junk haulers donate or recycle the items with local contacts whenever possible.