Five ways you can cut down on e-waste to help save the planet
With time, the amount of e-waste is increasing quickly and is expected to reach 61.3 million metric tonnes in 2023.
Due to the dumping of e-waste, harmful toxins and chemicals can impact the environment negatively. To control the damage and reduce e-waste across the globe, it is important to consider options such as recycling or donating old gadgets.
Many large corporations are running programs or facilities that can help people dispose of their electronics safely. Companies like Apple and Dell also have trade-in programs that make it easier for people to give in their old or used smartphones or computers for recycling. In the end, such steps can help cut down the electronic waste and prevent functional items from ending up in landfills.
Here are five ways that you can also reduce e-waste and save the planet from any more damage in the future.
1) Save old devices for a long time
One of the biggest reasons for rising e-waste is that people tend to discard their electronics after a short time. As new technology is launched, a large number of consumers rush to upgrade their gadgets or various electronic items.
So every year or two, you may prefer to invest in a new smartphone or gaming laptop and get rid of the old device. It has been reported that more than 151 million phones are discarded within the United States.
This is quite a huge number and adds to the electronic waste which releases toxins in the water. With all electronic items, it’s a good idea to think carefully before upgrading them. Do you need a new gadget every year? Is your old one functional and can last for a longer time? Consider the answer to such questions before getting a newer model or throwing away used electronics.
It is a good idea to save the devices for three years before upgrading to the latest technology. This way, you can cut down the e-waste and reduce the pollutants in the environment.
2) Recycle all e-waste
This is one of the best ways to cut down on electronic waste and save the planet. Look for ways to recycle used laptops and dispose of them securely. Best Buy has a successful trade-in program which makes it simpler for people to give away their electronics for a gift card or recycle them for free. There are quite a few manufacturing companies that also run such programs for consumers who want to get rid of their old gadgets.
Other than this, you can also look for electronic recycling businesses near your location and drop off the items to be sold for parts or refurbishing. Some companies also collect electronics to recover precious metals like gold, platinum, and silver.
3) Sell used electronics online
You can always search for an option to sell your old or used electronic items online. There are quite a few platforms that make it easier for you to get rid of your functional gadgets, mainly computers, laptops, and smartphones. If you are looking to sell your used laptop online all you have to do is enter the relevant details about its condition, model, and accessories.
The process is fairly simple and people can get an instant quote or based on the given information. You can avail a free shipping label and send your device for assessment. Mostly, people receive the cash within hours of approval. While this applies to computers and laptops, you can also look for places that deal with any kind of electronic items.
4) Reuse or refurbish
When most people upgrade an electronic item, they are likely to throw out the previous one. This is because it may not appear functional or useful any longer. You might be surprised to know that old electronics can be reused and even last for a few more years. A digital camera or a wireless router can always work with a few small repairs unless it’s completely damaged.
Similarly, you can reuse an old computer or laptop after refurbishing it to restore the condition. It’s easier to set up a powerful gaming computer by adding a new SSD for more storage or improving the graphics on display.
By doing so, you can easily avoid throwing away your old electronics and continue to use them for a long time as well. This cuts down on the waste and reduces the impact on the environment.
5) Donate old electronics
There are many non-profit organizations and educational institutions that accept donations of electronic items or accessories. Businesses that are looking to give away old laptops or computers in bulk can certainly consider donating them to a school or technical program. You can also find a reliable organization within the community to give away your old gadgets instead of storing them.
Some of them collaborate with educational programs or schools and donate functional devices to make technology more accessible to young students. This is an effective way to cut down on e-waste and save the planet from the harmful effects of toxins released from landfills.
How can you help stop the threat of rising e-waste?
These are some of the useful ways that can help you manage the threat of rising e-waste. If you think about it, discarded electronics are one of the reasons behind climate change. The chemicals or pollutants from these items can result in health problems as well.
The increase in e-waste is a humanitarian concern for people across the globe. So, everyone needs to come together and prevent further damage to the planet.
Photo by Johnny OP
