Bringing to a Recycler
Check for recycling facilities in your state and community. Companies like Call2Recycle offer
free drop off locations across the U.S., including stores like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Staples. A location near you can be generated by entering your zip code into the locator. Finding recyclers for specific electronics may not always be easy to pinpoint, but you can use websites like Earth911 to look for local options.
Donate Them
Does your device still operate? Donate it! There are plenty of charities and non profit organizations that will take your old devices. You can also receive a deduction on next year’s tax return as long as you have a receipt showing you’ve donated. Here are a few programs that give your device donations to people in need:
- Computers with Causes is part of the Giving Center program. Your donations to them help others in need by providing “substantial sources of educational and vocational assets”.
- The Freecycle Network is a non profit organization connecting local groups, (approximately 5,344 members) with nine million members worldwide. This organization participates in reusing old things and keeping them out of landfills by allowing groups to be moderated by local volunteers accepting plenty of items to be reused including electronics!
- Retail Option: Best Buy accepts all kinds of tech regardless of where it comes from or the condition it is in. They recycle a number of electronics for free and even offer a trade-in program where you can get money for your old item. They also provide pick up options if dropping off isn’t an option for you.
Even if you don’t have any old electronics at the time to donate on Earth Day, you can still do your part by:
- Adding some green to your work space (which is a factor we’ve also brought up in our previous wellness article).
- Learn about recyclables; refresh your recycling knowledge and ensure you know the right places to recycle certain things.
- Shop sustainable brands.
- Learn about composting and put an end to food waste.
- Avoid single use plastic items.
- Burn less fuel, drive less and bike more to generate fewer emissions. (If you plan on seeing family or friends, maybe consider connecting with them using your Solis Hotspot)!
With plenty of ways to recycle your old electronics and participate in Earth Day, there shouldn’t be any question about how you can do your part in saving our planet!