Tips for Disposing of Your Unwanted Electronics

August 3, 2018

Though it might not seem like it when you first purchase a new electronic device, there’s no way it’ll last forever. For one reason or another, you’ll eventually need or want to replace it with a newer model. Do you know what to do with your old device when that day comes? If not, continue reading. Here are some tips from an electrical contractor in Carlsbad, NM regarding getting rid of those old electronic devices.

Why can’t electronics just go in the trash?

The easiest and quickest solution for getting rid of an old smart phone or computer would be to simply toss it in the trashcan. However, leaving an electronic device in the town dump has long-lasting adverse effects for people and Mother Nature alike. Elements and chemicals found in electronic devices—like lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and beryllium—never go away. That means in 5,000 years, long after we’re gone, those electronics will still be sitting in the dump. What’s worse is that some of these chemicals are known to cause cancer or other health problems. For that reason, we’ve got to be conscientious about how we get rid of our old devices.

Where should electronics go?

Electronics shouldn’t go to the dump, and you probably don’t want them cluttering up your house. Here are a couple of things you can do instead of hoarding them and letting them pile up:

  • Resell them: Even though we’re not supposed to throw them away, 60 percent of old electronics still end up in the dump. What a waste of money! Many old electronics can be refurbished and resold to buyers who’d rather pay a little less for a like new model, instead of a brand-new one. If your old device seems like it might still be usable, bring them into an electronics repair or resale store and see if you can sell it to them. More often than not, the technicians will buy your old device from you.
  • Turn them in for credit: Bring your old device to the store with you when it’s time to buy your new one. Many big box retailers will accept old computers, phones and tablets, and may even purchase them from you if you buy a new model. If not, these stores will at least have a safe recycling bin for your device.
  • Recycle them: Speaking of recycling, that’s your third good option. Almost all electronics can be recycled, and you’d be surprised what we can get from them. Recycling one million cell phones could net 50 pounds of gold, 550 pounds of silver, 20 pounds of palladium and 20,000 pounds of copper. Look online for an Environmental Protection Agency drop-off site near you.

If you’re still unsure of what to do with your old device, feel free to call an electrical contractor in Carlsbad, NM. You can rest assured that a trained electrician will know exactly what you can do with your old computer, phone, tablet or any other old electronics!

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JB Electric LLC