When we think of recycling, we think old newspaper and empty beer bottles, a significant few of you may not even be aware that your pre-historic television set and other unusable electronic devices can be recycled. Here we provide you with real life solutions for recycling electronics.

Donate!

Yes, donation is an environment friendly way of getting rid of electronic junk. If you have any unused electronics that are functional or can be made functional after some repair, donate them to a charity, shelter or even a friend. You can even donate it to NGOs who specialise in refurbishing and reusing old electronics. World Computer Exchange and National Cristina Foundation are two of the many organizations which reliably let you donate your old electronics. Your old Apple iPhone 2G may not be of any use to you but it can light up a homeless kid’s face.

Contact the Manufacturer

Many electronics manufactures like mobile giant Nokia have begun taking responsibility for recycling the electronics manufactured by them. They have drop boxes at service centres where you can drop your old electronics. Some companies offer rewards for recycling old products, yet others donate a specific amount to a charity for each successful recycle. Your transistor may be forty years old, but the manufacturer (if still around) will probably be willing to recycle it for you.

Find a Responsible Recycler

It is imperative to entrust used electronics to a responsible recycler. In US, E-Stewards are those recyclers who specialize in dealing with old electronics’ recycling. Usually, you get a small amount of money on recycling a gadget.

Apart from these, there are numerous internet-based options for recycling. MirrorGoGreen, Music Magpie and WeeBuy and several other websites are willing to recycle your products. They even give small payments like $10 in lieu of the gadget. Some ground and online stores have recycling programs which give you gift cards and reward points which can be redeemed at the recycler’s store.

Be wary of any old electronics. No matter how dead they appear, don’t take them apart to separate recyclable components. Dead batteries and dry cells may still pose a threat. Also while recycling your gadgets, remember to steer clear of regular recyclers. They dump the electronics in landfills, along with organic wastes thereby polluting the earth.

Recycling your old electronics may sound like too much of trouble but in reality it is the responsibility of every good citizen. Electronics are the most hazardous of all the wastes that humans generate. Fortunately, they may also be regarded as most usefully recyclable waste products. If you have an old telly sitting in your garage, take action and recycle it today!