are you recycling everything that is recyclable?

It is important to recycle unwanted electronics. Devices that are damaged, obsolete, or no longer useful to you can be donated to a recycling facility. Learn how to prepare your unwanted electronics. Donate the devices to a company that refurbishes electronic equipment.

A Growing Problem

Damaged or unwanted cell phones, computers, laptops, and other electronic devices often wind up in the trash. If a waste removal company picks these items up, they will eventually be dumped in a landfill.

Due to the toxic components within some electronic equipment, the environment can be threatened. A leaking battery from a laptop, for instance, could seep into the ground. The chemicals within the battery could affect the quality of the soil and harm plant life and wildlife.

E-Commerce Recycling Centers

Electronics are recycled through many e-commerce recycling facilities. Some private companies that recycle a wide range of materials may offer an electronic recycling service.

Contact several local recycling facilities. Find out what types of steps you will need to take beforehand. You may need to remove batteries from the devices that you no longer want and store them separately from the equipment.

You may also need to separate the equipment based on the product type. A recycling center may request that you hand deliver the items that you no longer want. If this is the case, you will be provided with an address for the facility that you will be giving your old electronics to.

Preparations

Before you drop your electronics off at a recycling center, wipe any personal data from the electronics. You can donate the power cords to the equipment if you have the cord to each electronic device on hand. If you do not have one or more power cords, a recycling center will likely still accept the items.

Pack up all of the items and transport them to the recycling center that you have chosen. A recycling center may feature a drive-thru serve or a walk-in service. Some facilities offer both services to their patrons.

If you choose to use the drive-thru service, pull your vehicle up to the attendant's booth. An attendant will look over the items that you are parting with. They will instruct you on where to drop them off. If you use the walk-in service, park your vehicle and carry all of the electronics inside. Once indoors, an attendant will assist you with checking in the electronics.

For more information on electronic device recycling, contact a professional near you.