Disposal of electronics for a greener world
Millions of people are having a common problem when it comes to disposing old technology. Around 200 million electronic products are estimated to be laying around in storage and it is also estimated that almost two million tons of equipment such as printers, cell phones, computers, fax machines,scanners and televisions are simply thrown out with the weekly trash.
Piles of this type of waste is expected to continue to grow. This is because more and more people are purchasing new and more improved gadgets every day. This puts their old equipment in storage or the trash. The problem is that these types of technology can possibly contain inner workings which are made of materials which are toxic. Most technology does contain cadmium, flame retardants, beryllium as well as lead. If these materials become crushed or burned they seep into the environment and can cause harm to plants, animals as well as people.
The EPA requires most landfills to include liners to help prevent leaching of toxic materials, accidents do happen. We all need to take steps to ensure that our old technoloy does not end up where it can cause potential damage to our world. These steps are actually quite simply. You can either recycle your unwanted items or even re-sell your items. The EPA has a website which is easily found, and there you figure out if you should recycle your items or even donate them. If you want to make some cash from your old items there are several ways to research on the worth of the product as well as easy ways to sell them. I believe that ebay even offers tools that will help you to erase personal data from items such as cell phones and computers if you are selling them.
Though when it comes to cell phones that you are no longer wanting I have to suggest you look into website called cellforcash which purchases certain models of phones which are then refurbished and sold usally at a low price to those who are victims of domestic abuse, the elderly, or for emergency 911 phones. If the model of phone is one that they are not buying, but you dont want it anyway you can request a free shipping label from them and they will recycle it for you.
Another way to donate your old eletronic equipment that you no longer want or use is to vist the national christina foundation. They take your old equipment and donate it to schools and other nonprofits which are in need of these items. Just be sure to erase all personal data from any items which you are planning on selling or donating. If you are having trouble doing this there are several sites online which can help you do erase your personal data.
Almost daily there are places which are opening up or existing places which are now accepting your unwanted electonic items for recycling. It is important we keeps these items out of our landfills as much as possible. A better future starts with your home today, so take a few moments of your time and energy and put your unwanted items either to a better use or take them in for recycling.
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09-29-2008, 07:02 AM
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