Decrease E-Waste by Recycling Batteries, Cell Phones and Computers

Recycling has become a common practice nationwide and many programs are now focused on it.  Most of you are already of recycling paper, bottles, cans and the like. What about other materials? Is there any way that you can recycle your cell phones, computers, tablets and other electronic items?

On an average, every home in the United States, has around 24 of these, which will result in a significant amount of e-waste when they become outdated.

Yes, you may want to throw away these devices in a few years, but you cannot simply toss them. Electronic items contain materials that are harmful for the environment and so must be disposed of with great care. We will take a look at the recycling options for the most common ones.

Mobile Devices

How many phones do you have sitting in a drawer, which you have not used in ages or no longer work? According to a study, there are around 396 million inactive or idle mobile devices. Why do we just let them sit there? Recycle them and you might be able to generate a small stream of income.

Visit your local mall and search for an ecoATM. They will give you a fair amount of money for the phones and tablets that you no longer use. Put your device in the kiosk; it will be examined and you will be offered a bid. Should you agree, the payment is made immediately.

If you cannot find any ecoATM’s nearby, you can still participate in a recycling program offered by most cell phone providers. You might not earn and cash, but you can still keep the environment safe.

Computers

So you are buying a new laptop and throwing of your old one. Wait; according to the EPA, if one million laptops can be recycled, the amount of energy saved will be equivalent to the amount consumed by over 3,500 houses in the country on an annual basis.

Look around in your area, and see if you can donate your laptop. You may not be able to use it, but maybe a library, school or retirement center can.

Batteries

Batteries can be recycled at some local recycling centers. If you have a wet-cell battery, an automotive store may also want it. Other than this, you may come across recycling kiosks at some electronics stores.

Source: www.chicagotribune.com