What do you do with your old electronics when you no longer use them? Instead of letting them pile up and take up space in your home, recycle or donate them.
In many states it is illegal to throw electronics in the trash, they can contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, cadmium, polybrominated flame retardants, barium, lithium and polyvinyl chloride. These toxins can end up in landfills and may leach into groundwater.
Electronics must be disposed of properly. If your devices are still working you can donate them, if they are no longer functional, they should be recycled.
There are plenty of charities and organizations across the United States that accept donations of old electronics.
Recycling centers will take anything that is not in working condition.
Clear Your Data
Before donating or recycling any device it should be cleared of all data. Anything on the device can potentially be seen by others which can lead to identity theft and theft of your personal information. Factory reset your devices. If you are donating a computer, the hard drive can be removed before you donate it. Be sure to remove any SIM or SD cards in phones and tablets.
Printers, routers, webcams and other devices should be reset to remove any personal information.
Where to Donate
Start with your local community, some schools, senior centers, community centers, nursing homes and libraries will take donations.
You can also check with friends and family. If you have a computer, tablet, phone or other device that is still in good condition they may be grateful for the donation.
PCs for People: They are a national nonprofit social enterprise working to get low-cost quality computers and internet into the homes of individuals, families, and nonprofits with low income. By recycling and then refurbishing computers, PCs for People provides a valuable service to businesses, families, and the planet by keeping computers out of landfills and repurposing them to advance digital inclusion.
National Cristina Foundation: This foundation accepts donations of computers and other technology and donates them to nonprofit organizations. Both individuals and organizations are welcome to donate.
World Computer Exchange: They accept a wide range of electronic equipment; you can drop off computers and equipment at a WCE center near you or ship them to the organization.
https://worldcomputerexchange.org/
Donation Town: Donation town helps connect you with a charity that will accept your donations. They connect you with centers that accept not only electronics but household items and clothing.
Goodwill: Goodwill accepts almost any kind of donation, they have thousands of locations around the country.
The Salvation Army: You can donate cellphones, laptops, computers and other electronic devices at any Salvation Army center.
https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/rehabilitation/
Cell4Pets: They buy used phones and part of the profit goes to NSALA or another no-kill animal shelter.
Cell Phones for Soldiers: Cell Phones for Soldiers uses proceeds from donated cell phones to purchase international calling cards for troops to call home and to provide emergency funding to veterans.
https://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/
Medic.org: Accepts phones, tablets, and accessories. Donated items are sold and the proceeds go to fund their charity work in Africa and Asia.
https://medic.org/phone-donations/
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: With the help of their partnership with Cellular Recycler, NCADV receives a portion of funds from the sale of refurbished electronics, like cell phones, laptops, and video game systems. These donations go directly to furthering NCADV’s programming and projects that support victims and survivors of domestic violence and the advocates and allies that support them.
https://ncadv.org/donate-a-phone
Where to Recycle
Start by checking locally, call the recycling centers in your area to find out what they take. Also check with your local waste management service or public works department for a list of locations that recycle electronics. Some cities offer collection events, curbside collection or e-cycling programs.
Earth 911 Recycling Search: Enter your zip code to find recycling locations near you.
Call 2 Recycle: Search for drop off locations in your community.
https://www.call2recycle.org/locator/
Manufacturers: Contact the manufacturer, many offer take-back programs. Find out what services they have for recycling old electronics. When you purchase a new device, you may be able to trade in your old. Dell, HP, Apple, Lenovo, Canon, Sony and Toshiba are just a few to check with.
Office Supply Stores: Staples, Office Depot and Best Buy all have recycling or trade in programs.
https://www.staples.com/stores/recycling
https://techtradeup.officedepot.com/
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/services/recycling/pcmcat149900050025.c?id=pcmcat149900050025
Target: Target has an electronics trade in program. Trade in qualifying electronics and receive a Target gift card.
Telecommunications Companies: Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile all have trade-in programs for your old cell phones. They will either recycle them or donate them to those in need.
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