What Do I Do With My Old Tech?

Admin

posted on 4 months ago — updated on 1 second ago

48
views

Learn how to recycle or donate old cellphones, laptops and more. Explore donation options, recycling programs and eco-friendly tips. | SUCCESS

Search ... Results See all results

Quick Links

SECTIONS

JOIN US

GET IN TOUCH

CONNECT

Instagram Facebook Tiktok Linkedin Pinterest X-twitter

Get SUCCESS® Magazine PLUS 80+ Hours of Exclusive Training (& More!) to Multiply Your Earning Potential SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Save Up to 20% Before Oct. 2!

BOOKMARK Share

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Hands holding a box with used technology

The landfill is nothing but a giant pile of things no one wants or uses—but that certainly doesn’t mean we need to add to it. The EPA reports that the biggest contributor to landfill waste is food, which accounts for nearly 24% of all landfilled and combusted municipal waste. However, bruised or imperfect fruits and vegetables are often saved from landfills, and oil is being repurposed as biofuel.

This growing trend of repurposing waste begs the question: What else can we eliminate from the landfill to either recycle or repurpose?

One of the most obvious answers is our technology.

According to the U.S. PIRG Education Fund, the U.S. generates approximately 6.9 million tons of electronic item waste per year—and that number may rise to 81.6 million tons by 2030. This waste extends to more than just computers, though. Cellphones, computer monitors, notebooks, DVD players and TVs all contribute to the problem.

But the good news is that the options for what to do with our expired or undesired tech—whether it’s no longer functional or is merely outdated—are manifold. Though the decision for where to send them can seem overwhelming, the solution is often as simple as hopping in your car and driving to the post office, a store or a donation center.

Let’s take a closer look at what you can do with tech you no longer want.

Before you donate a computer, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends backing up your information by:

The FTC also recommends erasing your hard drive and restoring it to factory settings, which can be found in a program that comes with your operating system. The exact instructions for PC, Chromebook and Mac operating systems can be found on the FTC’s website.

For cellphones, the FTC recommends removing your personal information by doing the following:

The instructions for how to reset your phone for Apple and Android devices can also be found on the FTC’s website.

Once you’ve erased your information, the next step is to decide what you’d like to do: recycle your tech to keep it out of the landfill or give it a second life by donating it so that someone else can benefit from its use.

If your used electronics still work, many national organizations, such as American Veterans (AmVets), Easter Seals, Freecycle, Goodwill and the Salvation Army will take them.

The benefit for donating to many of these places is that old computers are often refurbished and then given to students or those in job training programs. In some cases, refurbished items are sent overseas to those who wouldn’t normally have access to technology. Either way, your unneeded items can benefit others.

Nearly every city across the United States offers technology-specific recycling centers or community drop-off locations, so it’s advisable to check your local government’s website for opportunities.

Most big box stores offer drop-off recycling for a variety of items. The following are just a few spots you can look into:

Nearly every major electronics brand offers some form of recycling, so check the website of the company your tech product came from. Some companies also accept brands that aren’t their own.

Below is a small sampling of electronics manufacturers that offer trade-in options, as well as in-store and mail-in options, for old electronics:

While disposing of your old tech may include a little bit of planning, you can feel better knowing that you’re keeping toxic waste out of the landfills. And who knows—maybe your old devices will even inspire the next author or game developer, all because they now have access to technology.

Photo by Veja/Shutterstock.com

Stefanie Ellis is a food and travel writer, as well as PR strategist and content creator for her own company. She has bylines in The Washington Post, BBC Travel, Eating Well, Saveur and more, and her clients are thought leaders in finance, branding, healthcare and the food and beverage space, with a former NBA player and duct work company thrown in for good measure. You can get in touch at stefanieellis.com or on Instagram @40somethingunicorn.

packaged margherita pizza in the foreground

January 27, 2025The Person Behind the Pizza: How Katie Lee Built–And Rebuilt–Her Restaurant Empire

Stefanie Ellishttps://www.success.com/author/stefanie-ellis/

January 25, 2025Miranda Rae Mayo: From On-Screen Star to Board Member

Stefanie Ellishttps://www.success.com/author/stefanie-ellis/

January 3, 2025Can the Nextdoor App Revolutionize the Way We Think About Community?

Stefanie Ellishttps://www.success.com/author/stefanie-ellis/

women practicing breathing exercises as breathwork

November 1, 2024Breathe In, Breathe Out: How Breathwork Improves Your Health and Life

SECTIONS

JOIN US

GET IN TOUCH

CONNECT

Instagram Facebook Tiktok Linkedin Pinterest X-twitter

5473 Blair Road, Suite 100
PMB 30053
Dallas, TX 75231

Save Up to 20% Before Oct. 2!

Unlock the Latest Knowledge that Can You Help You Achieve More in Life with More Confidence

Print and Digital Options Available

Oops!

You’ve reached your limit of free
articles for this month!

(plus get access to hundreds of resources designed
to help you excel in life and business)

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive an email message to log in.

No, thanks, I’m not interested in personal growth.

Plus, get access to daily inspiration, weekly newsletters and podcasts, and occasional updates from us.

By signing up you are also added to SUCCESS® emails. You can easily unsubscribe at anytime. By clicking above, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive an email message to log in.

Get unlimited access to SUCCESS®
(+ a bunch of extras)! Learn more.

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive an email message to log in.

The exclusive article you’re trying to view is for subscribers only.

(plus get access to hundreds of resources designed
to help you excel in life and business)

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive an email message to log in.

https://www.success.com/what-to-do-with-old-tech/