Eco Tip of the Day

If any of you are as confused as me when it comes to getting rid of electronics, this website may help. Although I recycle plastic, glass, cans, and boxes to an absurd amount (ie. the plastic bags that are inside rice boxes and such), I never know what to do with old or broken cell phones or cd players. According to the New York Times Science page, most household electronics can be recycled because they contain metal parts that are valuable, and working parts can be reused. Not only is it good practice to reduce, reuse, recycle, some electronics contain cathode ray tubes that may be hazardous and should be disposed of properly. (Cathode tubes consist of large amounts of lead, and lead tends to leech. Not something you want sitting in a landfill.) Although items containing these and other materials are deemed hazardous by the federal government, it is perfectly legal to throw them in the trash.

Ok, that's great and all, you say, but exactly where do I take my old tv? Large chain stores such as Best Buy or Staples often have drops for small electronics. Also, check out manufacturers of the device. Apple, Dell, Sony, and Samsung as well as some others, offer mail-in recycling or specified drop sites. 

Unfortunately recycling regular, alkaline batteries is not an option, but you can recycle your old rechargeable batteries through a national recycling program. Stores including Staples, Target, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Home Depot are among the participants.

If your gadget is still relatively new but not in working order, you can sell it to websites such as Techforward, Gazelle, and MyBoneyard. 

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If you are still unsure about whether a specific electronic is recyclable or where you should take it, take a look at Earth911 to find some info before you stick it in the trash. You'd be surprised at all the things you can recycle, and it feels a lot better putting something in a recycling bin than it does to put it in the trash can.

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