It’s not a secret that Earth has a trash problem, and electronic waste (E-waste) only makes it worse.
According to the World Health Organization, E-waste is among the fastest-growing solid waste fields in the world. Of the 62 million tonnes of e-waste produced globally in 2022, only 22.3% was ever recycled—and that percentage keeps growing smaller.
However, the danger of e-waste is more pronounced than in other fields. Unrestrained disposal of e-waste can release toxic substances into the environment that can poison the ground and lead to long-term, widespread damage.
Luckily, you can take measures to safely reduce your e-waste output.
1. Repair Whenever You Can
Of course, the first step in recycling your old tech is to ensure you don’t have to dispose of it just yet.
If you are disposed to do so, much of the tech thrown away has minor imperfections that can be easily solved with curiosity, handiwork, and a little monetary investment.
If you enjoy tinkering around, you may consult online resource websites such as Instructables, iFixit, or YouTube for further advice. If not, plenty of local repair stores in your area could help.
2. Check for Trade-In or Buy-Back Programs
Plenty of electronic retailers and large stores offer trade-in or buy-back programs that could help you get safely rid of your electronics—and grant you a payment they deem fair for your device, usually in the form of a gift card you can use to upgrade.
Amazon has a well-known and reliable trade-in service, but it’s far from the only option. British users can enjoy Currys’ excellent terms, while Best Buy offers a similar deal in North America. Likewise, many tech companies, such as Apple, provide programs for their products.
3. Sell Second-Hand
Selling second-hand electronics is the way to go if you’d prefer to receive cash for your used electronics rather than a gift card. After all, you can set your prices and aim for the highest amount possible.
You can do so locally through Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, but you can also expand your range using Amazon, eBay, and similar websites.
4. Donate
If your old tech devices are still functional and making money out of them is not your top priority, donating might be the solution for you.
Not only will you be able to make a difference for someone in need, but you might also extend your tech’s useful life and ensure the resources employed in its fabrication are put to good use for much longer.
5. Recycle
Recycling is a vital last-minute option for tech damaged beyond repair. However, since electronics have countless components of vastly different materials, recycling methods are rather specific.
Depending on where you are, you can get access to multiple organisations with e-waste recycling programs that can help you safely dispose of your old tech. Since not all e-waste is the same, each centre will explain which type of e-waste they accept and under which conditions.
If you’re in the United States, you can get more information on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website, while folks in the United Kingdom can use Recycle Your Electrical’s locator. In Singapore, the National Environment Agency lists different recycling programmes worth checking.
These are just some examples, so check your local resources.
Make a Difference
Recycling is not as popular as it should be, and recycling e-waste specifically is still far from the most popular approach to disposing of old tech.
However, the tech industry’s environmental impact is incalculable, and although it’s impossible to vanquish it entirely, humanity must reduce it as much as possible—one tiny grain of sand at a time.
