Dealing with old electronics

In our fast-paced tech world we often find ourselves upgrading to the latest smartphone, tablet or gaming system. This leaves us with a drawer full of outdated gadgets and if disposed of improperly they can actually be extremely dangerous. Rather than letting them gather dust, let’s recycle, repair and repurpose these electronics.

Before you throw anything in the trash bin, check to see if the device is rechargeable. If it is, that means it is powered by a lithium-ion battery. These cannot go in your regular trash or recycling bin. Unfortunately, the pressure from these trucks or landfill equipment can cause the battery to ignite and start a major and difficult to extinguish fire. Make sure to keep everyone safe by disposing of these items with exceptional care.

Your electronics contain valuable resources like metals, plastics and glass, which require significant energy to mine and manufacture and can often lead to the degradation of land. Recycling, reusing or repairing these materials allows them to be reused in new products, such as circuit boards, composite lumber or even picture frames without having to be mined again and with less energy used.

If your device is still in working order you can make some extra change off of selling your old device on sites like Gazelle.com that buy and refurbish products. Gazelle provides a straightforward way to turn your old devices into cash or upgrade to something newer without the environmental cost of buying brand new. You can also sell your gadgets on platforms like Craigslist and eBay or local Facebook groups. This way you can find a new home for your old devices and make some money in the process.

Security is a crucial step before parting with your device. Ensure you’ve erased all personal information to protect your privacy. For smartphones, start by terminating your phone service with your provider. Backup your data, saving contacts, photos and other important information. Resetting or restoring the device to factory settings will typically erase all data and apps. Remove the SIM card, SD card, and any external data cards. Taking these precautions helps ensure that your personal information does not fall into the wrong hands.

Repairing your items can be a money saver as well as a planet saver so check to see if a simple repair will fix your item before you get rid of it. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, iFixit.com offers free repair guides for a variety of devices. They also sell parts and toolkits for those hard-to-find components.

So you’ve checked that you can’t repair it and you don’t want to bother with selling it? That means you are ready to recycle. Finding a drop-off site or mail-in service is the next step. For example, the Old Dixie Highway Landfill and Convenience Center in Dalton offers a recycling drop-off point year-round. You can call them at (706) 277-2545 or visit www.DWSWA.org for more information. They accept a wide range of electronics, with a $10 fee for CRT TVs and monitors, but all other items can be recycled for free. This makes it convenient to get rid of your old devices responsibly.

Smartphones, in particular, have multiple recycling options. Retail stores like Home Depot have recycling bins for cellphones at their entrances, making it easy to drop off your old phone while you shop. Kroger and Walmart have Eco-ATM kiosks that might even pay you for your phone. Other stores, such as Best Buy, Goodwill, Staples and Office Depot, also offer specific item recycling. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to confirm what items are accepted. For a comprehensive list of recycling options, Earth911.com is a helpful resource.

Whether you choose to repair, sell or recycle your electronics, taking these steps helps protect the environment and reduces waste. Every small action counts, and collectively they add up to make a big difference. So next time you find yourself with an old gadget, remember there are plenty of options to ensure it continues to be of value.

Amy Hartline is the recycling and education program coordinator for the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority. Have a recycling question? Contact her at (706) 278-5001 or ahartline@dwswa.org.