Published on March 28, 2023, Updated on March 29, 2023
Electronics may not be the first thing that comes to mind when recycling is mentioned. In actuality, your ordinary electrical equipment is recyclable. Consider how frequently you upgrade or replace your cell phone, laptop, and PC. Consider the cables, chargers, and accessories that accompany these electrical devices. That is a substantial amount of e-waste!
It is better if the device has a longer lifespan. Reducing e-waste entails maximizing the usable life of our electronics while they’re still in service and recycling what’s left so that new devices can be manufactured. Within your electronic devices are components such as circuit boards, processors, chips, fans, connectors, and metal, glass, and plastic. The resources required to manufacture each new generation of smartphones, tablets, and virtual reality (VR) headsets are unsustainable without recycling.
Yet, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, barely 15 to 20% of electronic waste is recycled. A big bulk of e-waste continues to end up in landfills, where useful resources are not only wasted but also degrade and pollute the surrounding ecosystem. Industry authorities and technology makers disagree on how to solve the problem. Businesses such as Sony, Apple, and Google are incentivized to concentrate on releasing new products rather than addressing what consumers do with older ones.
Hand-Size Electronics That Are Recyclable
The ability to fix this e-waste problem is literally in your hands. Here are some of the most common electronics that should be recycled once they’ve reached the end of their useful life, as well as what to do with them.
- Cell phones
- Tablets and e-readers
- Wireless and Bluetooth gadgets
- Chargers and cables
- Music players
- Speakers and headphones
- PDAs
- Digital cameras
- Game controllers and remotes
- Hard drives and memory cards
- Fitness trackers and pedometers
Tip: It is recyclable if it has batteries or a charger.
See all e-waste recycling items we accept.
How To Properly Recycle Data-Storing Electronics
The majority of everyday devices may be divided into 2 categories: 1) those having an inbuilt hard drive that saves data, and 2) those that merely use electricity without processing any data. You’ll quickly see how much personal information may be stored on your old mobile phones, tablets, PDAs, and hard drives if you go over the list once more. This may cause you to reconsider recycling your electronics.
Is it okay to simply hand over these devices?
Absolutely, however, you should search for a collection program that collaborates with certified recycling, or a qualified recycler themselves. Don’t put your gadgets in the curbside trash can with cardboard and cans! Some devices are accepted through self-service kiosks or recycling pickup programs for electronics in some businesses and municipalities.
Are damaged electronics recyclable?
Electronics can be recycled regardless of their state but this might have an impact on their value. Older devices can also be disassembled to reveal only their most valuable components. However, until you bulk up and fix a lot of used devices, don’t anticipate receiving any compensation for your efforts. Even while a circuit board may be more valuable per pound than an entire computer, it takes many computers’ worth of circuit boards to reach your first pound. However, if you’ve just replaced a processor or fan, for instance, by all means, throw away the old one along with the rest of your recyclable electronics.
Can old electronics be donated, sold, or recycled?
Recycling is but one method for getting rid of gadgets you do not need. You can think about selling or giving your devices to someone else who could still use them if they’re still functional and not too old. This is a long-term solution for devices that you replace before the previous model stops functioning. Organizations that help distribute these things to those in need generally still value and demand devices that are just a few generations old.
Recycling is the best option for gadgets with excessive wear and tear – more than could be repaired. Cameras and music players have recently fallen out of favor as smartphones and watches have taken their place in our daily lives. It could be difficult to find buyers for these items on the secondhand market. Contribute to a more circular and sustainable economy by recycling your old devices.
1 Green Planet offers R2-certified electronic recycling solutions which are customized to specific industry specifications. Call them now to schedule a pickup. see service areas
