How to Sell or Recycle Old Electronics
I have several pairs of broken headphones, a dysfunctional PlayStation, and one cracked iPhone with traces of blood. When searching through useless items in my apartment, I often wonder if my used electronics – cracked or not – could serve a greater purpose than sitting in a drawer or thrown into a trash can.
But when your old devices end up in landfills, they can do much more damage than you think. Typically, e- waste contains toxic chemicals such as mercury, lead or chromium; Exposure to these chemicals can cause serious problems with our nervous and reproductive systems. ( Children are especially vulnerable.) To make matters worse, we generate an estimated 50 million tonnes of e-waste around the world, endangering any community faced with an accumulation of e-waste.
But your really old phones, even this T-Mobile Sidekick, still have tremendous value, according to Chase Freeman, a spokesman for EcoATM , a kiosk service that recycles and resells old electronic devices. “This device may have a second, third, fourth or fifth life,” he said over the phone. “Not every consumer across the country cares about having the latest iPhone. That old Nokia phone we used 15 years ago may not cost anything or break, but we can still help the planet. ”
Clear information before giving up your device
Before you decide to resell or dispose of your Blackberry (RIP), there are a few things you need to do first. If you want to keep any old photos or files, you can back them up to your hard drive, Google Drive , your iCloud account, or any other safe location, depending on your device.
According to Consumer Reports , it is very important that you clean the device so that the next owner also does not have access to your personal files. On tablets, laptops or phones, a factory reset should be performed, which will erase most of your information. (Here’s our guide to resetting an iPhone or Android with a broken screen in case your phone needs major repairs.) In the case of phones or cameras, you should also remove your SIM card, which may contain data such as your number or contacts. too – it’s a very simple process on any iPhone or Android .
A number of electronics stores will accept your devices for exchange or recycling.
If you’ve finally decided to part with your old device, luckily you have a lot of options – your e-waste is very valuable to both recyclers and electronics stores.
Why can you recycle your phone instead of selling it? Well, if your device is not in perfect condition (for example, broken to the point of not even turning on) or completely priceless (for example, you sell a first-generation iPhone), it may be easier to recycle. them, Freeman added.
Here are some noteworthy recycling and exchange programs you can use:
- Apple has a fairly extensive exchange program for electronic devices of all brands. In return, you will receive an Apple Store Gift Card or credit for future purchases of an Apple product. (After all, they really need your business.) If your device is not eligible for credit, they dispose of it for free on your behalf – don’t worry, they’ll ask for your consent before throwing away your device.
- You can trade a range of devices through Amazon ; they offer free shipping with a prepaid label and will rate your item within two days.
- Best Buy accepts a variety of electronic devices for exchange and recycling . In exchange for recycling your device, they may offer a percentage discount on your next purchase of a similar device. (Here’s a list of their current promotions .) They’ll even take devices like televisions and other home appliances from your home, but for a small additional fee .
- EcoATM accepts tablets, MP3 players and cell phones at any kiosk. EcoATM will evaluate your device based on price, model, market value and will accept devices for recycling if they have no resale value.
- GameStop accepts game consoles, games, gaming accessories, and some phones and tablets for cash or credit. You can check the cost of your products on the GameStop website .
- Staples accepts most electronic devices for exchange and recycling, with the exception of household appliances and televisions. Use their store locator so you can drop off your device at participating Staples.
For batteries in particular, you can also use the Call2Recycle finder locator to find a drop-off point near you. According to CNET’s , if you want to get the most out of your investment, you may be able to sell their product directly to the buyer, using such sites as Craigslist or eBay.
You can donate your used devices
If you want to give your electronic devices one more life, consider donating them to charities in need. Organizations such as Cell Phone for Soldiers are accepting telephones for repair and reuse by active duty members or veterans. Medic Mobile will also take any phones or tablets and use them for overseas healthcare programs in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Phones must be in working order to participate in any program.
As Popular Science wrote, keep a receipt whenever possible; You might be able to deduct the donation from your taxes in the future. Or, for any other device, search the Internet for organizations near you that might need a used computer or tablet to help your local community.