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The lifecycle of our devices seems to get shorter and shorter. Every gadget we buy gets an upgrade within a year or two. Even if you hold on to your computer or smartphone as long as you can, it becomes obsolete within five years. Out with the old, in with the new.
If your first thought is to recycle your box of old gadgets, read this first. You could be filled with regret once you realize how much good your old tech can do for someone else. Here are five old tech gadgets you might regret recycling, and what to do with them instead. We also provided a few suggestions on where and how to recycle your e-waste when you’re out of other options.
Why Recycling E-Waste Isn’t Always Best
Why would anyone regret recycling—isn’t that a responsible way to dispose of your old stuff? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case with electronics, otherwise known as e-waste. Recycling e-waste is very complex because of all the components involved: glass, plastic, a wide array of metals, and toxic chemicals like mercury. Not all recyclers can or want to handle this costly process. Some e-waste is sent to other countries, where materials may end up incinerated or buried in a landfill.
Repurposing or donating your gadgets prevents waste and pollution. Below, we’ve provided suggestions on how to do that.
Gadgets You Might Regret Recycling: What To Do With Them InsteadCell Phones
Most cellular companies give you a discount on a new phone when you turn in the old one. But if your phone is too old for that purpose, dedicate it to playing your music library or storing your favorite photos for a digital frame. You can even turn a cell phone into a remote by installing the Roku app or other streaming apps.
If you can’t think of a use for your phone, many nonprofits take old cell phones for families or seniors in need. These organizations hand out phones so that people can call 911 in an emergency.
Tablets
Tablets with cellular capability can also be donated to people who need a way to communicate during emergencies. And they are great for handing down to kids, because the parents don’t have to worry about them breaking an expensive tablet. You also might know someone in a retirement community who could use a way to browse the web, text, and make video calls to friends and family. As long as the tablet is still running, someone can find a use for it.
Game Consoles
Game consoles are always getting replaced with the newest and greatest thing. But some games are so niche that you can only play them on the original console. Plus, there’s a collector’s market for almost any game console out there. Sell your game console to someone who will use it, rather than letting it end up in a landfill.
Computers And Laptops
You probably think that no one wants your decade-old, slow-as-molasses computer. Before you take it to the recycling center, check whether you can upgrade the computer’s hardware and save yourself some money. If not, you absolutely should ask around before you dump a computer. There are community centers that help people look for and apply for jobs. This doesn’t require the newest technology. There are other groups that give computers to kids who need them to do homework.
Just make sure you prepare your computer before donating it by wiping all personal data and scanning for viruses. You may need to update software licenses as well. If that sounds like too much, find an organization that takes care of those tasks for you while repurposing the computer. They may find a way to upgrade the hardware while they’re at it.
Monitors
While CRT monitors aren’t of much use anymore, the flat-screen ones come in very handy. Want to watch the game while you’re cooking dinner in the kitchen? An old monitor is perfect for that. You can also ask local schools, churches, and nonprofits if they could use a monitor for their library or office.
When And How To Recycle Tech
If your tech is broken, reaches the point that you can’t run the operating system, or becomes so obsolete that you can’t hook it up to anything, you should recycle it. Never put e-waste in the trash. Your gadgets contain hazardous chemicals that can contaminate groundwater (not to mention, lithium batteries can start fires). Check with your local waste facility or use the search tool on Earth 911 to locate a recycling center. These national retailers are known to recycle e-waste:
Home Depot (for batteries)
In addition, many computer and cell phone companies have mail-in recycling programs. Check websites at companies like Apple, Google, HP, Dell, Samsung, Lenovo, and Microsoft. You could even get a credit towards your next purchase—no regrets there.
Read the original article on Southern Living