According to Earth911, “The total annual volume of e-waste is expected to reach about 40 million metric tons. In the US along it is estimated that we generated 1.5 billion pounds of all kinds of e-waste in 2006. This includes an estimated 44 million computers and televisions." Yikes.
So, before you upgrade to your flat screen TV, get a new computers, or decide to trade in your bulky stereo for an iPod dock, please try to dispose of your old electronic devices responsibly. We know it’s a little bit more of a nuisance, but Mother Earth will thank you.
Computers
If your computer isn’t a total dinosaur, chances are someone else can use it. See if you can donate to a local school, or after-school program. To find out where you can recycle or donate your computer, use My Green Electronics finder to see what is available in your surrounding area. Just type in your zip code.
Another great thing to do with your old computers is to actually send them back to its original manufacturers, that way they will be recycled into new parts for new computers. Some links to major computer makers and their recycling programs: Apple, Dell, HP,
Batteries
Household batteries contain heavy metals like mercury, lead, Cadium and nickel, all things, which when exposed to Mother Earth, makes her sad. We know it’s easy to dispose of your batteries by throwing them in the garbage, but next time your remote control dies, before throwing those AA’s into the trash, go here to find out where you can dispose of them safely. Big electronic stores like Best Buy and Staples will take your batteries for you, also. If there isn’t one in your area, go here to find out where you can drop off your used batteries.
CDs
I guiltily admit that I am in a conundrum of not knowing what to do with my old CDs. One idea: go to a used record store that offers buy backs. If that’s too much work for you, Second Spin, is a simple way of mailing in your old CDs in return for some cash.
But if you just want to get rid of the damn things, and you’ve already nixed the ideas of making coasters or Christmas tree ornaments out of them, Green Disk and CD Recycling Center will let you know how to dispose of them locally.
Cell Phones
Every year, a new, better, smarter phone comes out. But instead of tossing them in the can (or like me, letting them take up space in your drawers), here are some good ideas:
Donate them to a women’s shelter. Unfortunately, many battered women are in need of a cell phone, when a simple phone call can be a life or death matter. The Support Network for Battered Women provides us the opportunity to donate our phones for a good cause.
Big cell phone manufacturers like Nokia will gladly take their phones back, and Recycling for Charities is an organization that will take your cell phones, PDAs, iPods or digital cameras for you; simply pick a charity and RFC will make a donation on your behalf.
