Recycling is fairly common all over the world, and people are accustomed to it. However, there are other ways to bring new life to old tech.
What are your plans for your old tech devices? All appliances need special care. Washing machines, dryers, stoves, refrigerators, computers and even phones contaminate the environment if they are not recycled or disposed of properly.
Recycle old tech to give it a second chance at usefulness.
When you recycle, you can make some money (in some cases). However, you also help to protect the environment by properly disposing of old tech. In other words, find an organization that deals with the recycling of such appliances.
Recycling organizations recover many valuable raw materials. These raw materials are used from old tech such as electronic or electrical equipment. This benefits both the environment and the economy. There are, however, other ways to save obsolete technology.
1. Sell your old tech and let someone else use it.
Perhaps you recently purchased a new tech device. However, maybe the old one continues to work and you’re not sure what to do with it.
Not everyone is able to buy new equipment from the store. Therefore, if you offer your old device for sale, it’s a good way to let the device continue to be useful.
In addition, you earn a little extra money. Then, as a result, someone else gets a piece of equipment that maybe they could not afford new. Additionally, you help to conserve the environment by giving the device a new “life.”
2. Repair any broken appliances.
Repair seems inconvenient at times. People sometimes get the idea that if something breaks down, they must get something new.
However, consider how much money you can save by just calling a mechanic or repairman. In addition, if the problem turns out to be minor, you can keep using the equipment. If you do that instead of looking for a new one, you save yourself more time and money.
You won’t have to try to sell the old one or throw it out on the street. Trashing your old tech is not especially good for the environment. Sometimes the fix is easy and inexpensive. Often, repairing a device gives you added knowledge about it, making it easier for you to continue to use and enjoy your devices for a longer time.
3. Make a donation to a thrift store or charity.
You’ve probably heard or seen on television or the internet about charities in need of funds. Of course, you have.
They also need clothing, or equipment for children’s homes, hospitals, and nursing homes. Instead of discarding old tech equipment that is still functional, donate it to those in need. In addition to helping the environment, you are also doing good for someone else.
Another alternative is to donate your outdated technology to a charitable organization. A rising number of charities are taking both functional and non-working old or obsolete technology. Furthermore, they are sometimes subsequently sold for funds to support the charity’s activities.
For example, the leading charity Oxfam has teamed up with Corporate Mobile Recycling. They’ve launched a program to recycle phones. Working phones are frequently sold to purchasers in emerging areas such as Africa and China. Additionally, they recycle broken or non-working phones.
4. Reuse and recycle in other ways.
Equipment that is too old or out of commission cannot always be donated or sold. Contact a recycling organization in this instance. In addition, you can just take it to one of the main electronics retailers. According to law, they must accept old equipment for recycling.
Check to make sure that the organization you contact is properly handling the equipment. Your local agencies can provide information about groups who have the authority to recycle old tech.
5. Put your old equipment to good use.
There are many uses for old tech that perhaps you have not thought of. Make a digital photo frame out of an old tablet, or a webcam out of an old camera.
In addition, make a cupboard out of an old stove by painting it and leaving it as a vintage kitchen cabinet. Property4You offers some interesting suggestions for how to repurpose your old appliances. Similarly, it also helps people find new ones for their homes.
Wrapping it up.
It’s often inconvenient to have old equipment. It is a challenge, especially if you have to fix it or have already purchased a new one.
However, consider how it could harm the environment if left in a landfill. In addition, think of how really valuable your old tech might be to someone who cannot afford new equipment.
Check to see if there is an organization that can accept your old equipment. If it works and they need it, they will be happy to use it. If it does not work, recycling allows manufacturers to reuse the raw materials. Sell it, and you give it a new life with a new owner. Check out all five of these options before tossing them in the garbage.