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Every year, tech companies develop new devices and models to keep their market interested. You upgrade your tech and buy a new phone or laptop. Your old devices, however, end up sitting on an old shelf somewhere, gathering dust.
Collecting old electronics might be a hobby. However, the time will come when you may want to declutter and get rid of old stuff.
Chucking old electronics into the garbage is easy, but it isn't the best way to get rid of them. This article can help you find more sustainable ways to deal with used electronics.
What You Can Do With Used Electronics
Electronic waste (e-waste) is a significant problem worldwide. In 2019 alone, the world generated 53.6 million tons of e-waste. Such large quantities of e-waste could harm people's health and the environment.
Instead of throwing away e-waste that could leak harmful chemicals into the environment, try these methods.
Repurpose Them
One way to avoid throwing out old electronics is to find a different purpose for them. Many of your old gadgets could still work. They may not be your primary devices anymore, but they could still be helpful around the house.
For example, you could hook old mp3 players or iPods to some speakers to create a home stereo system. You could use outdated tablets and laptops to stream your favourite shows.
You could even take your gadgets apart if you're knowledgeable about electronics. Old electronics could still have several usable parts.
Sell Them
Selling old electronics is an excellent way to earn money. It also declutters your home.
Check if your old gadgets still work, and sell them if they do. Depending on the item's condition and performance, you could still earn a decent amount of money.
You could organize a garage sale, especially if you also have other household items you want to clear out.
Setting up online listings is also another solid option. Platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are free to use. They also allow you to reach a wider audience.
Recycle Them
Damaged or outdated electronics should go in the recycling bin. Recycling helps you dispose of these items safely. This practice helps lessen the amount of e-waste in landfills, reducing environmental harm.
Many organizations aim to make electronics recycling more accessible to communities. These recycling initiatives help make the community cleaner and safer.
Electronic recycling in Toronto has become a government priority as well. The city has always organized Community Environment Days and Drop-off Depots for this purpose.
Donate Them
If you still have working electronics that you have no use for, donating is a good idea. It prolongs the lifespan of your devices and helps people in need. You can give them to friends and family or nonprofit organizations.
Below are some organizations where you can donate old electronics:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada
- Free Geek Toronto
- Diabetes Canada
- Furniture Bank
- ReBOOT Canada
Tips for Electronics Disposal
Disposing of electronics requires some preparation. These tips help keep you organized. They also protect your safety once your device leaves your hands.
- Organize your items. When decluttering, organize your gadgets. You could create piles of what to sell, donate, or recycle. This practice helps you track your items and ensure they go to the right places.
- Back up essential data. Phones and computers often contain important files and information. Make sure you look through them and have copies of the files you want to keep.
- Make sure your devices are clean. Aside from essential files, your devices could also contain personal information. Make sure to wipe your gadgets clean before disposing of them. This prevents sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands.
Sustainable electronics disposal often requires a bit more effort. However, it prolongs the lifespan of your devices. It also minimizes waste and helps protect the environment.
