From mobile phones that happen to die right when your contract is over to televisions that become obsolete as soon as a larger, thinner version debuts – every year we have electronics that need to be thrown out.
But what should you do when it’s time to purge electronics you no longer need?
> Idea #1: Give it to Charity
If your device is still in working condition, you can give it to a charity or nonprofit organization in your area. Make sure to get a receipt. As a bonus, you may qualify for a deduction on your next year’s tax return.
> Idea #2: Recycle it Properly
Find out which organizations in your community help with recycling old electronics (hint: we're one!). Additionally, research if your electronics manufacturer or preferred retailers have recycling or trade-in programs. Often you can recycle your old electronics and receive discounts on a new purchase.
> NEVER dispose with regular garbage
The unfortunate reality is that a majority of unwanted electronics go straight into the trash can, generating e-waste. While this may seem like easiest option, it can cause much more harm than you may realize.
After you throw out your e-waste, its next destination is usually the landfill. This e-waste is highly dangerous due to the toxic elements released.
> Environmental Damages Include:
- Impact on the Soil - E-waste can take thousands of years to decompose. As electronics break down, they release toxic chemicals into the soil, contaminating plants and trees. Some of these chemicals include lead from circuit boards and lithium from batteries.
- Groundwater Damage - Toxins such as mercury, lead, and cadmium can flow into the groundwater from decomposing e-waste that’s improperly disposed of.
- Air Pollution - When e-waste isn’t recycled, it’s often burned in incinerators. Burning electronics may seem like a good solution to get rid of e-waste but electronics are composed of plastics, glass, and metals, which produce dangerous emissions when burnt.
- Marine Pollution - If your trash doesn’t find itself in landfills or face the furnace, the ocean is another likely dumping area. Millions of tons of trash, including e-waste, goes into the ocean every year which can be deadly to organisms, disturb biodiversity, and harm ecosystems.
Beyond taking care of the environment and minimizing health hazards, you must consider data security for the electronics you’re disposing of. Proper electronics recycling takes care of the data on your computer or smartphone so it doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.
DEWW is proud to offer a secure method for disposing of your computers and other electronics. Onsite physical data destruction and computer disposal have never been easier. Find out more information about our electronics recycling services here.
President/CEO, D.E. Web Works