It’s always exciting to purchase the latest new laptop, smartphone or tablet. But what do you do with the old one? The statistics show that most of us have no idea how to answer that question. A report from the United Nations reveals that almost 54 million tons of electronic waste was discarded in 2019, and only 17% of it was disposed of properly. That’s many tons of electronic waste in landfills. So what can you do about it?
Here’s our guide to the proper disposal of electronic waste. But first, let’s answer the question of why you should.
Why You Should Recycle Electronics
Electronic devices are loaded with environmental toxins, which cause great harm to our ecosystem. Furthermore, electronic waste is often dumped overseas, where children in poorer countries end up finding them and thus expose themselves to hazards. Dumping electronic waste into the trash is so harmful that the practice is actually illegal in some states and municipalities. Besides that, recycling electronics means that the valuable materials they are made of can be reused, saving energy.
A Word About Electronics Recycling Organizations
Fortunately, there are a number of organizations which will recycle your old electronics. You can find dropoff locations near you by using an online locator like Call2Recycle or the Consumer Technology Association. And remember to always call the dropoff location first to verify that they are currently open and accepting donations.
Making Sure a Recycle Organization Is Reputable
The United States has two certification programs which hold electronics recycling to high standards. These are Responsible Recycling Practices (R2) and the e-Stewards Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment. Always check that an erecycler has one of these two certifications before using their services. Since certification in these programs has to be maintained over time, they’re a good indicator of trustworthiness.
If you have questions about disposing of old electronics, reach out to JunkCo. We’ll be happy to help you dispose of your old electronics properly.