According to the Consumer Electronics Association, the average American household contains around 24 electronic gadgets. In Australia, there are 30 million mobile phones in use, while in the UK, each person buys three new electrical items every year.
It was revealed that there are many other substances found in everyday electronics, including lead in cathode-ray tube screens, selenium in circuit boards and cadmium in semiconductors. These substances not only pose a risk to the environment if not disposed of properly, but can also be harmful to human health.
Fortunately, there are better options available to recycle your old gadgets rather than leaving them to undergo neglect or experience prolonged inactivity.
If your device is still functional and has personal data stored on it, make sure to wipe it properly.
Then, you can decide whether to try and sell it, or recycle it in the right way.
It was revealed that there are many other substances found in everyday electronics, including lead in cathode-ray tube screens, selenium in circuit boards and cadmium in semiconductors. These substances not only pose a risk to the environment if not disposed of properly, but can also be harmful to human health.
Fortunately, there are better options available to recycle your old gadgets rather than leaving them to undergo neglect or experience prolonged inactivity.
If your device is still functional and has personal data stored on it, make sure to wipe it properly.
Then, you can decide whether to try and sell it, or recycle it in the right way.
Return them to the manufacturer
Many manufacturers of consumer electronics have recycling programs so you can send your old products straight back to the company. Here's a list of some major companies with recycling initiatives (US only, but some have similar policies in other countries around the world):
- Apple stores will take back old products, and in some instances you can even get credit in the form of gift cards for gadgets that still work
- Canon will recycle products for a small fee once registered
Some carriers also offer recycling schemes, while BestBuy and Staples also accept most electronics and some large appliances.
