What to Do with Old Electronics

Let’s face it. We all love to have the latest, greatest smartphones, HDTVs, computers and other electronic gadgets. And, companies like Apple are all too happy to give them to us—like clockwork—each year. The problem? What to do with our old electronics. Unfortunately, some of our old tech simply isn’t worth the space it occupies in our homes. Other stuff, like vintage stereo equipment, could be worth hanging onto, donating or selling online. In this post, we’ll explore four great options for clearing out your old electronics and making room for new upgrades. But first, let’s start with one thing you should NEVER do with your used technology:

Do Not Throw Out Your Electronics

Regardless of which option you choose from below, do not throw out your old electronics. They often contain chemicals and toxins that can damage the environment. In fact, even the most damaged piece of equipment can still be recycled and made into new items. Throwing out your electronics is also a huge waste. Donating, recycling, selling and storing electronics keeps them out of the landfill and prolongs their useful life.

Four Things to Do with Old Electronics

Sell Electronics for Cash Near You: Depending on the age and condition of the item, you may be able to make some good money on it. Websites such as eBay, Amazon and Craigslist make it easy to sell your used gear online.

Donate Old Electronics to Charity: If you do a quick search on the internet, you can easily find countless charities looking for donations . Charities will do a wide variety of things with old electronics, from refurbishing old computers into computer labs in underdeveloped countries to sending video games to our soldiers oversees. Gently used technology has the potential to do so much good in someone’s life—even if it no longer fills a need in yours.

Recycle Used Electronics for Free: Many stores that sell electronic devices also offer an electronics recycling service . Efforts to increase the recycling of electronics have heightened in recent years as the mass-use of electronics continues to grow. When you recycle something that no longer works, the recycling plant breaks it down and sorts into its core components. Plastics, metals and rare earth metals are often salvaged and used to produce new tech. As an added bonus, many recycling companies offer data erasing services to ensure no one can get to your personal information.

Store Electronics You Want to Keep: If your electronics are still working and you aren’t ready to part ways with them yet, consider storing them in a storage unit. Your vintage stereo amplifier from high school. The spare TV you don’t have space for right now… Are you interested in learning more? Contact us today!