 Perpetually updated technologies prompt us all to purchase new cell phones, PCs, televisions, and other shiny devices every few months or years. All of your old electronics are likely somewhere out of sight by now, unless you’ve been able to save some essential parts to, for instance, refurbish another desktop. In all probability, though, they’re currently gathering dust under the stairs, sitting inside their original boxes, or dying a slow death in one of the (too) many landfills where they could leak dangerous chemicals into the earth.
It’s important to practice safe and legal methods of discarding electronics, especially if harmful substances inside certain products could be released. These potentially harmful substances include lead (large, old CRT [cathode-ray tube] monitors can contain up to 7 pounds), mercury, flame retardants, and cadmium. Though you may not have considered recycling electronics before, there are numerous local, regional, and national eCycling programs established to keep electronics out of landfills.
 What’s Nearby?
Using a recycling center or a store that’s close to your community is one of the most efficient means of responsibly disposing of your old electronics. But if you’re not familiar with these locations, how do you know where to find them and what types of products they accept? Earth 911 (earth911.com) to the rescue.
At Earth 911, type the name of your electronic device in the search box next to Start Recycling. Then, fill in your ZIP code and click Go. Earth 911 produces an extensive list of locales that offer recycling services, accept donations, or facilitate reuse. Suggestions can include recycling companies, thrift stores, volunteer programs, national CE retailer branches, or academic institutions.
My Green Electronics (www.mygreenelectronics.com) helps you track down local reuse/recycling facilities in your area. It’s as simple as typing in your ZIP code and clicking Go. Search results include mapped location indicators and available contact information for recyclers within a 150-mile radius.
eCycling Everywhere: Computers, Peripherals & TVs | 
Search for recycling centers near you at Earth 911 by entering your location as well as the item you would like to recycle.
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Many global manufacturers and well-known retailers offer variations of recycling or donation programs. Here are a few companies that will take in used computers and/or TVs.
Dell (www.dell.com). Dell adheres to the three R’s: recycle, reduce, and reuse. It offers free recycling anytime for Dell-branded products and recycles your old computer/monitor at no charge if you sign up for the free recycling option when you make a new purchase.
Toshiba (www.toshiba.com). If you want to be green, Toshiba is on board with you. It sends you credit if you pass along your old working notebook to them. It will also make sure your old PC is recycled if it has minimal trade-in value. Toshiba complies with the WEEE (Waste From Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive and the RoHS (Restriction on Hazardous Substance Standard).
Apple (www.apple.com). According to Apple’s Environment site, U.S. customers can recycle old monitors and PCs when they buy a new Mac. Additionally, you can recycle your old iPod. If you do so when you purchase a new model, Apple gives you 10% off.
Gateway (www.gateway.com). Through its trade-in program, Gateway recycles electronics for its customers at no charge and offers you cash for preowned tech products.
Sony (www.sony.com). Sony also gives customers the benefit of trade-in; the company provides credit for particular qualified VAIO PCs, but if your PC isn’t worth enough for a trade-in, Sony will recycle it for you. If you have a used camcorder or camera to dispose of, Sony will help you figure out what your trade-in might be worth. Another convenient service is the Green Glove Delivery Program. For example, Sony packs up and recycles your old TV if you purchase a BRAVIA LCD television (32 inches or larger) with home delivery.
Audio, Video & Miscellaneous
Office Depot (www.officedepot.com) is one place to dispose of your old A/V equipment. The Tech Recycling Service is Office Depot’s program to “turn tech trash into useful raw materials.” You can acquire a recycling box in one of three sizes: Small for $5, Medium for $10, and Large for $15. Check the list of Office Depot’s Acceptable Items before you fill your box—this is a wide-ranging list including DVD players, MP3 players, and cables, however, you cannot submit items such as cracked monitors, leaking electronics, or potentially radioactive material (of course).
Keep in mind that Best Buy and Staples also accept your tech trash. Staples charges a $10 transport and handling fee for large items.
Cell Phones
If you upgrade your cell phone regularly, you probably have a number of old phones lying around. Here are a few providers that offer programs for reuse, recycle, and charitable causes.
AT&T (www.att.com). At participating stores, you can get involved in the AT&T Reuse & Recycle Program by offering your old phones, PDAs, batteries, and other accessories for sacrifice. Prior to recycling, be sure to cancel your service, clear all contacts, and remove the SIM (subscriber identity module) card.
Verizon (www.verizon.com). The Verizon Wireless Hopeline Program was established to help victims of domestic violence. Verizon collects old phones, regardless of the condition or carrier, and recycles or refurbishes the used equipment, raising money from sales to donate to shelters and national programs.
Sprint (www.sprint.com). You can submit all models and brands to the Sprint Project Connect. This service provides free postage (at Sprint stores) for mailing in wireless phones, batteries, and accessories; the other option is to print a shipping label from tinyurl.com/63fy4u. Sprint Project Connect proceeds support the 4NetSafety program advocating children’s Internet safety.
Be sure to check other major service providers to learn about the benefits of their recycling programs.
For The Greater Good
Because electronics require a great deal of production time and energy involving valuable materials (metal, copper, plastic, etc.), recycling, renewing, and reusing products ultimately cuts down on natural resources waste and gas emissions that damage our atmosphere. Remember that recycling is one of many ways you can contribute to the collective effort of being a good steward of our planet. Not only can you properly discard old equipment now, but you’ll also gain a broader idea of the options you have for future recycling needs. 
by Joanna Safford
Wading Through The E-Waste Stream
Approximately 2.5 million tons of consumer electronics (TVs, PCs, peripherals, printers, cell phones, etc.) were discarded to landfills in 2007.
SOURCE: EPA MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE CHARACTERIZATION REPORT |
Wipe The Drive
Before you even consider taking your computer to the appropriate facility, you must back up any important items stored on your PC‘s hard drive—we can’t emphasize this enough. Use CDs or external storage devices, such as a portable hard drive or flash-based drive.
You should not simply format your hard drive because performing this maintenance task does not erase your data; deleting files on your hard drive or moving them to the Recycle Bin doesn’t erase them, either. To properly wipe your drive, you need to find a program specifically designed to erase all data; some examples are WipeDrive V5 ($39.99; www.wipemydrive.com) and EraseYourHardDrive ($23.95; www.eraseyourharddrive.com).
We recommend that you install this type of program on a separate PC and transfer them to the drive you’re recycling via USB drive. If you truly want to prevent anyone from accessing the data on your hard drive again, find a strong sledgehammer and smash away. The goal is to warp the layers on the hard disk, so they’re no longer readable. |
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