It’s the age of technology and, let’s face it, these devices are expensive! While many of us would choose to endlessly repair these items rather than deal with the expense of having them replaced, there comes a time when the end is inevitable, and we simply must put them out to pasture. Many of us know that a typical garbage can is not the place to dispose of technology and that recycling is an option, but what is the best place for our devices once they are no longer functional? Read on to find out.

Throwing old electronic products, including batteries, in the trash is not only unethical, it’s illegal in many states. The toxic inside these products don’t belong in landfills. They are harmful to people and the environment.

If your product can be reused, a good option may be donation. However, you want to go with a reputable organization that won’t export your item unless it’s fully functional. The Electronics Take Back Coalition recommends the National Cristina Foundation or World Computer Exchange.

If products are too old or broken to donate, recycling is probably your best bet. However, it is recommended that you go to an e-Stewards recycler. The e-Stewards is a global team of individuals and organizations responsible for upholding a safe standard for e-waste recycling and refurbishment. They stop the export of illegal hazardous e-waste to developing nations making the recycling safer and greener. For a list of e-Stewards recyclers near you, you can visit the e-Stewards web site at
e-stewards.org.

If there are no convenient e-Stewards near you, you can use a manufacturer’s take back program, although many do not provide disclosure about responsible recycling. However, you can find many electronics companies who have voluntary take back programs that offer to take in your old products for free. Many offer trade in or money back for your products. The Electronics Take Back Coalition offers a list of computer and TV manufacturers that offer these services.

Retailers that offer take back programs include Staples and Best Buy. Staples takes back a number of electronic products without any charge due to their partnership with HP, although they do not take back TV or stereo equipment. However, customers can drop off a maximum of 6 products a day and rest assured that Staples works with a responsible recycler who follows the e-Stewards standard. Best Buy takes back products, including TV’s but does not take back household appliances.

Cell phone recycling is easy since you can mail them back for free to some recyclers. Capstone Wireless and Call2 Recycle are both recommended companies that follow e-Stewards standards.

One final tip is to remember to erase your data from your hard drive before you hand in your computer for recycling. To keep your personal information safe, you must not just delete files, but ‘cleanse’ the hard drive so that the information can not be retrieved by anyone else. Sometimes a recycler will do this for you for an extra charge or you can use software that overwrites your data, some of which is available as free downloads.

Although all this may seem very complicated to you, it’s worth it to keep our planet clean and eliminate chemicals and materials which can cause harm to our workers and communities.