E Waste Not Want Not Responsible Disposal and Recycling of Old Tech Gear
How to Responsibly Dispose of Your Electronics
One thing to be mindful of when attempting to repair a phone, laptop, or another device with a battery inside is to drain the battery before you open it up. For repairs on major white-good appliances, rubber gloves, and rubber-soled boots can minimize the risk of getting shocked.
If you lack the confidence to attempt repairs, you can likely find a good local repair shop by reading reviews. TheFederal Trade Commission found that independent repair shops have the same success rate and safety record as manufacturer shops. Many manufacturers have discouraged repairs with the threat of warranty voiding, but victories for theRight to Repair movement have led totech getting slightly more repairable.
Just be careful to back up and protect sensitive data on your devices before handing them in at repair shops. Some devices might even have a built-in solution. For example, Samsung phone owners can activateMaintenance Mode before handing a device off to ensure that photos and accounts cant be accessed.
Sell or Trade
You can make some money if you sell old devices. Even broken devices can be sold for parts, though you will always command a higher fee if you clean and repair them first. You can also score a discount off something new with trade-in or buyback schemes. We have guides onhow to sell or trade-in your iPhone (remember tofactory reset it first) andhow to sell your smartwatch or fitness tracker.
You can generally command the highest fees by selling directly to people through eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor. Just remember that you will need to arrange delivery or meet up to exchange the goods, and buyers often like to haggle.
For a hassle-free sale, consider places like Swappa, DeCluttr, or GadgetPickup. These kinds of buyers use online questionnaires to determine a price and often provide free postage. Shop around and see who offers the best price, but be honest in your descriptions, or you may find that your quote gets reduced after inspection.
Take-back or trade-in programs are another easy option, though you probably wont make as much as you would through a sale, and often you might get your fee as store credit. Best Buy, Amazon, Verizon, Samsung, Walmart, and many others offer trade-ins on electronics.
Donate
If you like the idea of your old electronics doing some good, consider donating them to worthy causes. Chamberlain saysGoodwill is one of the best options because the company has a strong reuse hierarchy and aims to get as much as it can out of electronics before recycling them. You can also find local charities that accept electronics throughDonation Town.
Cell Phones for Soldiers is a nonprofit that sends overseas troops prepaid mobile phones so they can stay in touch with loved ones.Recycle Health is another nonprofit that collects fitness trackers and gives them to underserved populations to encourage fitness.
Research and Recycle
Some of the places we have already mentioned will recycle devices that can't be reused, and it's worth checking to see whether the original manufacturer of your device has a recycling scheme. Most major manufacturers, including Apple, Google, and Samsung, will recycle your old devices, and Apple will take old Lightning cables if you're making the switch to USB-C. Retailers like Best Buy and Staples will also accept and recycle your old phones, laptops, cables, and other electronics.
Local facilities that handle electronics for reuse and recycling sometimes have community drop-off events, Seibert says, and local municipalities often have electronics collections once or twice a year, so its worth looking to see whether there are any scheduled in your area.
How to Recycle Electronics the Right Way, No Matter Where You Are
Electronic waste (also called e-waste) is a huge problem. In 2021, Bloomberg reported that an estimated 74 million tons of e-waste a year will be produced worldwide by 2030. Instead of perpetuating this crisis, it's more important than ever that we become aware of how to recycle electronics.
Although e-waste is a catch-all term for used electronics that are landfilled or improperly discarded, there is also "inherent value of these materials that can be reused, refurbished, or recycled to minimize the actual waste," according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Meaning, for every old tech gadget that goes in the garbage, heavy metals and chemical components from those devices (and their batteries) that could be repurposed elsewhere are wasted, threatening human health and the environment by potentially leaching into the soil and water.
Its up to each of us to repurpose, responsibly recycle, or safely dispose of our old electronics. If correctly processed, the metals and materials that comprise these gadgets can be reintegrated into new products, even making their way into innovative new uses like clothing insulation.
Because electronics have to be recycled in a specific way (i.e., not thrown into your recycling bin with your papers, plastics, and metal cans), this process can seem daunting if you're not aware of your state regulations. However, once you know how to recycle electronics or where you can drop them off for proper disposal, it's easier to repeat this moving forward.
Read on to learn more about how to recycle electronics, so your old smartphones, laptops, and kitchen gadgets can be helpful not hurtful to the environment.
Find a New Home for Your Old Tech
The first step to understanding how to recycle electronics is to assess all of the stuff that you want to get rid of. If your old electronics are still in working condition, the best and eco-friendliest option is to give the item a second life by donating it. (If it doesn't work, more on that later.)
For example, Free Geek, based in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit organization that accepts various kinds of unwanted electronics, refurbishes them, and finds them new homes around the local community. Students, young adults, and others who cant afford or dont have access to updated technology often receive low- or no-cost gear from this organization. You may be able to find a similar organization in your area by searching online.
Another option is to try to donate your working gadget or appliance to a nationwide organization like Goodwill. However, its critical to know which items they will and wont accept to reduce the strain on the organization to dispose of it.
Know All Your Recycling Options
If your unwanted electronics and tech are broken, worn out, or drained of their battery power, your next option is seek out how best to recycle them.
Currently, only 25 states (and the District of Columbia) have e-waste laws, and if your state is one of them, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with them and check whether your state sponsors safe electronics disposal events. The Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse (ERCC) alsoo provides an interactive map that lets you see at a glance all of the specific state laws around electronics recycling.
In addition, you can check out these organizations that'll either take your items or direct you to a responsible disposal site near you:
- Call2Recycle: If you have batteries to get rid of, this is where to go. Call2Recycle is a national organization with a comprehensive national battery recycling program. Through their site, you can easily find a nearby location that will take most kinds of batteries. There are also mail-in options for those unable to get to a drop-off location.
- Ridwell: This growing curbside service takes batteries, light bulbs, and a number of other hard-to-recycle products right from a box at your front door for a monthly subscription fee.
Use Caution When Recycling Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries, which can be both removable or embedded into electronics, are frequently in the news for causing home fires. This is because any impact or damage to these devices can cause a reaction called thermal runaway in which they overheat and combust. Unfortunately, manufacturers don't always make it easy for consumers to dispose of these types of batteries and devices properly.
With so many different types of batteries powering nearly every manner of device, its unreasonable to expect consumers to be battery sorters, says Call2Recycle VP of Operations Eric Frederickson. For example, lithium AAs and alkaline AAs look very similar shape, size, etc. but one legally can go in the garbage, and the other, if it goes into the garbage, could potentially cause a fire and put people and property at risk. Also, if consumers attempt to remove lithium-ion batteries from devices that theyre embedded in, they can damage the batteries and make them more dangerous than if they were left in the device.
Interior of a phones lithium-ion battery.
For those who have undamaged lithium-ion batteries that they're preparing to recycle, know that it's unsafe to drop them off in a pile or leave them unmarked for your disposal site to deal with. Frederickson encourages taking these steps to help minimize risks:
- Option A: Bag each battery in its own clear plastic bag before placing it in a storage container.
- Option B: Tape the positive terminal with clear packing tape, nonconductive electrical tape or duct tape, keeping labels visible.
Check Out Stores That Accept Old Electronics
The good news is, there are several national retailers that'll take your old electronics and batteries off your hands to recycle them for you. The items that a specific store accepts may vary, so its best to call ahead before heading to your local retailer.
The following stores have electronics recycling and trade-in programs:
Amazon: The online megastore has electronics recycling and trade-in options available and also partners with Call2Recycle for battery recycling.
Apple: The brand's trade-in/recycling program is very straightforward. Most of the process can be done online, and you may not even need to visit a store. (Microsoft has similar options for its devices.)
Batteries Plus: They will take several hard-to-recycle products, such as specific batteries and lights all you have to do is drop them off.
Best Buy: The electronics retailer accepts a wide range of products, including certain TVs, curling irons, and more. They can be strict about what they accept, so check with your local retailer about the items you want to donate.
Lowes: They will take certain batteries and lights, but it varies by store.
Staples: The office-supplies store will accept many of the electronics they carry, including hard drives, paper shredders, and desktop computers. Just note that Staples does not accept alkaline batteries.
The Home Depot: Here, you can recycle rechargeable batteries and certain light bulbs. This retailer will also accept certain plastic plant pots.
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Geoff is a lifestyle journalist & copywriter focused on helping brands make the world a better place through compelling copy. Hes a regular contributor at several outlets, including Barrons, InsideHook, AskMen and several Hearst titles. You can check out more of his work at geoffnudelman.com.
Hardware Asset Disposal: How To Safely and Responsibly Dispose of IT Assets
In today's digital age of business, the proper disposal and recycling of hardware assets have become critical components ofIT asset lifecycle management. Hardware asset disposal is not a standalone task but rather an integral part of an organization's larger ongoing business process.
Hardware asset safe disposal involves removing outdated or non-functioning devices and assets from an organization's inventory through a safe and environmentally friendly removal. Discarding old hardware and assets goes beyond simply throwing them in landfills. Instead, it requires a systematic approach prioritizing safety measures andequipment compliancewith relevant regulations.
Discarded devices can still contain sensitive information that, if not properly handled, could fall into the wrong hands, leading to data violation. AnIBM reportpoints out that the global average cost for data breaches is $4.35 million and up to $9.44M in the United Statesall the more reason to be intentional and strategic about proper hardware disposal and data sanitization.
So what strategies must companies implement to ensure their data is safe when disposing of hardware assets?
Let's look into the best practices that can guarantee adequate data removal or destruction and help organizations mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to confidential data and protect their reputation.
Methods for Hardware Asset Disposal and Recycling
Properly disposing of hardware assets is crucial to protect sensitive company data, complying with regulations, saving money, and minimizing environmental damage. Not to mention, it's a necessary step in everyIT asset lifecycle management strategy. Let's break down the most common methods available in IT asset disposal services:
1. Refurbishing and Reselling
Usually, the process of asset disposition starts with smaller steps like refurbishing used electronic equipment or reselling it. This can easily extend the life cycle while generating some revenue from resale. IT asset disposal services use this method to help reduce asset waste by giving devices a second chance at use.
2. Donating to Charitable Organizations
IT asset disposal services can offer you to donate your old computer equipment to charitable organizations or schools, providing them with valuable resources and IT equipment they might not otherwise be able to afford. Donations can also help to improve the company's image and brand reputation.
3. Recycling and Repurposing
If refurbishment or donation isn't feasible, consider recycling programs that recover valuable materials from obsolete devices in an environmentally responsible manner. Many IT asset disposal services offer device waste recycling and repair management that will prevent them from going to waste if they are still in good working condition.
At this stage, ensuring all devices have undergone data wiping before being recycled or donated is important. This step alone can prevent leaked sensitive data.
4. Secure Destruction and Disposal
If none of the above methods are suitable, IT asset disposition services can ensure your hardware assets are properly disposed of in compliance with regulations. These companies use specialized equipment for physical destruction, including shredding or crushing devices, rendering them unusable while minimizing environmental impact. Make sure to select an IT asset disposal service that offers a destruction certificate.
For small companies that don't have a place that acts as a data center to manage endpoint devices, it's particularly important to have anend-to-endIT asset managementsolutionthat will also take care of hardware disposals and wiping when they reach the end of their lifecycle.
Considerations for Choosing a Hardware Asset Disposition and Recycling Method
When deciding how to dispose of your old equipment or your business' resources, there are many details to consider. Legal and regulatory compliance, environmental considerations, safety measures, and privacy issuesall must be weighed against budgetary limitations. Make sure to select IT asset disposal services that consider the following.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Regulations regarding asset waste vary depending on country or region. Ensure your disposal process complies with these laws to avoid fines or penalties. Research local requirements or consult an expert in this area before choosing your IT asset disposal services.
Environmental Impact
Companies can often underestimate the environmental impact that choosing the right IT asset disposition services can have. The improper asset disposal of electronic devices can cause significant damage, including pollution from hazardous materials. Selecting a responsible electronics recycling program ensures that your company's e-waste is properly disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.
Data Security and Privacy Concerns
When equipment stops working or is too old to be used, companies must deploy an asset recovery strategy to get those devices back from employees.
To protect sensitive information stored on connected devices like hard drives, it is essential to use secure device disposal methods such as data erasure or physical media destruction. This prevents potential data violations from inadequate data wiping procedures during asset recovery and equipment disposal.
Cost and Budget Constraints
Refurbishing:While refurbishing may generate some revenue, it can also incur asset disposal services costs related to repair and maintenance.
Donating:Donations may be tax-deductible but might require additional resources for transportation or refurbishment.
Recycling:Some recycling programs charge fees for certain types of e-waste, so research the associated costs before committing.
Destruction:Secure destruction services typically come with a cost, which should be weighed against potential risks from improper asset disposal methods.
Best Practices for Hardware Asset Disposition and Recycling
The hardware asset disposition and recycling process can be complex, especially for distributed teams.A solution that acts as a data center for keeping track of your IT estate can make it easier. However, you can't overlook the end-of-life processes needed for secure disposal. Here are some best practices to ensure security, environmental responsibility, and legal compliance.
Establish Clear Policies and Procedures for Disposal and Recycling
Create comprehensive guidelines outlining the proper asset disposal methods, responsible parties, timelines, equipment and documentation requirements, and other additional information. This will ensure all employees understand their roles in the procedure.
Train Employees on Proper Disposal and Recycling Methods
Educate staff about the importance of proper equipment disposal services and other processes to prevent data violations, e-waste issues, and non-compliance penalties. Offer training sessions or workshops to teach them how to handle sensitive information during asset recovery and disposition.
Maintain a Complete Inventory of All Hardware Assets
Protect data center hardware crucial for IT tasks by keeping detailed management records and security updates.
Record all connected gadgets within the business regularly to stay informed.
Note when assets are due for replacement or have reached end-of-life status.
Inventory management helps streamline the asset disposition procedure by identifying which items need attention at any given time.
You can easily track and manage your inventory with the help of softwaresolutionsthat let you know exactly what you have.
Regularly Review and Assess Disposal and Recycling Processes
Continuously evaluate your organization's asset recovery and asset disposition procedures to identify areas for improvement, ensure compliance with changing regulations and industry standards, and adapt to new technology advancements. This proactive approach to hardware optimization will help maintain a secure and environmentally responsible manner of handling hardware assets.
Challenges and Considerations for Hardware Asset Disposition and Recycling
Like with any process, hardware asset disposition can come with some challenges. Here's what you need to consider for issuing a responsible hardware asset disposal order:
Legal and Regulatory Compliance Requirements
Failing to meet the legal regulations governing safe asset disposal services and the disposition of electronic waste can result in severe penalties. It is essential to stay informed about the latest rules on proper disposal orders of IT equipment in your jurisdiction.
Data Breaches and Privacy Concerns
Sensitive information leaks occur when there's nosecure offboarding automationandif you don't securely destroy or wipe data from hard drives before disposing of them. To mitigate this risk, it's vital to implement strict data destruction protocols like physical destruction or secure data erasure methods. IT asset disposal services should also include a data destruction certificate.
Cost and Budget Constraints
The cost associated with proper ITAD services may be challenging for some companies; however, a company cutting corners on ITAD services could lead, for example, to improper disposal practices causing the company long-term damage both financially through fines as well as environmentally.
How To Manage Hardware Asset Disposition With Growrk
Proper disposition and recycling of hardware assets is crucial for reducing environmental damage, preventing leaked information, and ensuring data security. As we've already outlined, various methods are available to ensure it's done effectively.
When choosing a method for hardware asset disposition and recycling, it's important to consider factors such as data wiping or destruction, environmental impact, and compliance with regulations. That's where GroWrk comes in. Our platform can act as a data center that provides end-to-end device management and asset disposition services, making it easy for distributed teams worldwide to take care of their hardware assets.
GroWrk's end-to-end solution supports you throughout the entire asset lifecycle, from procurement to disposal, so you don't have to worry about noncompliance or data security issues.Book a demotoday to get started.
