From an Information technology point of view, with the advancement of technology, people are now more linked electronically. However, with changes in technology happening very quickly, it is almost impossible not to have some of these gadgets at home only to realize that they are of no use or they are outdated. However, instead of dashing such items to the dustbin, there are many ways one can contribute these to charity or recyclage.
1. Earth911
Earth911 is an easy-to-navigate website that lets you find where electronics and other items for recycling and donation in your area. The website also includes informative lessons regarding the disposal of waste and how and where it should be recycled. You only have to type in your zip code and then click on electronics if you want to know where you can take your units for donation or disposal.
2. Call2Recycle
Call2Recycle is a non-profit organization whose goal is to recycle batteries and portable electronics and reduce the level of toxic electronics assembly in the waste streams. They provide a take-back program after use with no charges to the consumers, businesses or any community. There is a link on the page that will tell you where you can drop off your old electronics safely in your area.
3. The Goodwill
Goodwill is a famous organization that not only helps people with disabilities or disadvantages find jobs and offers training Centers but also takes used electronics. They resell such products in their thrift stores or on their website to give these products another chance while at the same time helping to support their programs. Before donating, one has to consider donating to a specific Goodwill which may have different policies with regards to electronics.
4. Green Citizen
Green Citizen is a social business venture that is focused on the recovery, recycling and proper disposal of electronics while advocating for environmental conservation. For the consumer, they provide a mail-back service while businesses can drop off the container at designated points. Thus, Green Citizen does not only recycle electronics but also functions to inform people about the proper way of dealing with electronic waste.
5. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is an international charity organization that takes used electronic items for donation Computers, laptops, tablets, and phones. They offer these items in their thrift stores to give affordable products to everyone who needs them. Again, to donate, one has to visit the local offices of the Salvation Army, and that employee will assist with needed electronics.
6. Electronics Recyclers International (ERI)
ERI is an accredited electronics recycling firm that provides services to both commercial and industrial customers. They take different electronics, for example, computers, servers, TVs, and mobile gadgets. ERI makes certain that all electronics are disposed of securely and that all the equipment is recycled in an environmentally friendly manner. Go to their website for a location to drop off the items, or to arrange for a free pick up if you are a business.
7. EcoATM
EcoATM is the automated kiosk cash for your used smartphones, tablets and MP3 players on the spot. Just take it to one of their kiosks and they will check the device and determine its value. However, if you accept the offer, they will securely erase your data and dispose of the constituent parts of the device. At the moment EcoATM has installed its kiosks in different malls and shopping centers across the United States of America.
8. Apple's Recycling Program
Apple has a commitment to decrease its product footprint and the Recycle Tracker provides consumers with an easy means of disposing of old Apple products. They pride themselves in accepting almost all Apple gadgets like iPhones, iPads, Macs and many more. There are three ways that you can go about getting one; you can just walk into an Apple Store, apply for the mail program or arrange for pick up if you are a business.
9. Best Buy's Recycling Program
About Electronics Recycling Electronics Recycling is a program run by Best Buy where customers can take their used electronics for recycling without having to worry about the manufacturer. As of this writing, they support almost all kinds of gadgets that you can think of, ranging from computers, phones, tablets, TVs, and gaming consoles. We were pleased to learn that Best Buy guarantees that all data is exterminated in the devices and that the devices themselves are recycled in the right ways. To find the nearby location, you can Visit their website.
10. Dell's Reconnect Program
Dell has an indirect recyclable program that is the ‘Reconnect Program’ which is in collaboration with the Electronic Recycling Sustainable Initiative (ERSI) where the customer is given a free service to recycle his/her used electronics. They take any brand of computers, laptops, servers, peripherals, etc, with all brands represented. Take your electronics to a participating location within the business hours that they operate to donate your electronic products.
Conclusion
Recycling or donating old electronics proposed not only can spare the world expensive disposal costs but also help make the planet healthier and the neighbourhood happier and more connected. Considering these opportunities to dispose of gadgets in an environmentally friendly manner and guarantee that more devices will be reused, we can be useful to the environment. Therefore the next time you are looking to buy new electronics, why not use one of these best places to donate and dispose of old electronics?
