HOW TO PROPERLY DISPOSE OF ELECTRONIC PARTS

Electronic waste also known as E-waste is a growing form of pollution today. As important as computers are today, they could be a threat to the environment when they are not properly disposed of causing pollution.

Electronic wastes are made up of different harmful chemicals such as lead, cadmium, beryllium, mercury, and brominates flame retardants. So, when you casually dispose of your computer parts, you are causing harm to the environment. According to the EPA, of the roughly 2.25 million tons of used and unwanted electronics each year, only 18% is collected for recycling, and roughly 82% winds up in landfills.

Your bad or old electronics are still valuable and can be donated or recycled, and if not, there are other better options for throwing them away.

HOW TO DISPOSE OF YOUR COMPUTER AND OTHER ELECTRICAL PARTS

Firstly, before getting rid of your electronics, you must remember to remove all your personal information. For computers and phones, you need to remove all your personal files. You need to wipe off your drive, back up some information and details you may still need before throwing them away.

Secondly, if any of the electronics include batteries, you must recycle them separately. Rechargeable batteries contain harmful substances that should not be sent to landfills.

Methods for Disposing of Electronic Devices

1.      Recycle Electronics components are made of recyclable materials like metals, plastic, and glass. They are some recycling centers and companies that specialize in safely recycling electronics kept out of the landfill. You need to find an e-waste recycler who is officially certified by the Basel Action Network (BAN). BAN is a non-profit organization of recycling companies that are dedicated to recycling e-waste safely and responsibly. 

2.  Sell off Your Outdated Technology: Just like the old saying goes: “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure”. This can be applied to helping you get rid of your old electronics. You can check out sites like craigslist, eBay or have a garage sale. We’re sure you’ll get some good deals when you sell your outdated electronic components and parts.

3.  Donate them: Old electronic devices can be donated to schools, churches and charitable organizations that is, if they are still functional.

However you choose to safely dispose of your old or unwanted electronics, there are proper ways of doing it! By choosing a method that keeps devices out of the landfill, you are helping to preserve the environment, and contributing to healing the world.