Welcome to Bay Disposal’s blog! Each week we explore and learn about a unique aspect of responsible waste disposal, including how to safely throw away old, obsolete, or broken Electronics and technology. We all have accumulated quite a bit of it over the past ten years or so, now what do we do with it all?

Let’s Get Techy.

Computers, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, gaming consoles, and let’s not forget cell phones; the list of devices is only growing longer with each passing year. According to Consumer Reports, in 2017 alone, 1.5 billion cell phones were purchased—that’s billion, with a B.

Now for the real shocker: in 2016, 44.7 million tons of e-waste were thrown out. Of all that waste, only 20% was properly disposed of. We can do so much better.

The danger of improperly disposing of technology lies in the materials used to manufacture computers, cell phones, and more. Carcinogenic chemicals, lead, mercury, cadmium, and other toxic substances are often used in construction of electronics. While in use inside the machinery, these toxins are not harmful to you.

In a landfill, however, such materials could leak out, and far worse, much of our technological waste in America is shipped to Asia, where it is simply burned. This process releases all of those chemicals—like lead and mercury—into the air of our atmosphere.

How To Throw Away Old Electronics:

Now for the good news: metal, plastic, and glass are also all used in the construction of many Electronic Devices, and those are all recyclable! There are a lot of organizations and resources available for recycling, repurposing, or donating old electronic devices.

• Call2Recycle provides an interactive map with battery-recycling locations
• eCyclingCentral offers a simple list of e-recycling programs in a selected state
• SustainableElectronics helps users easily find an electronics recycler nearby
• eStewards serves up a world map with filtering options so you can find the most appropriate recycling facility for your needs

Look into local organizations, like nonprofits, charities, shelters, churches, and even schools. Unless the devices are completely broken or obsolete, they will likely find a home for your old electronics. If you go this route, be very sure you’ve cleared your history with a full factory reset. You can Google where to find it on your specific device, and donate with confidence.

Technology firms, including manufacturers or retailers, will occasionally be interested in taking old electronics, whether they built or sold them or not. This is due to some of those metal, plastic, and glass materials being so reusable! Your old flip-phone may conceivably be repurposed into the latest iPhone you covet. Ironic? Maybe. Responsible? Definitely.

Some companies may even be willing to pay for your old tech! Try your luck with Apple, Best Buy, Amazon, and more. You never know, you may get the deal of a lifetime, and all while saving the world. Look at you go!

Check out this article by Consumer Reports, and be sure to check out the list of resources at the bottom. Don’t be shy! Comment your own tips, tricks, and resources for responsibly recycling or disposing of technology.

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