Smart Ways to Recycle or Trade in Old Tech

We live in a world that is constantly changing at a very fast technological pace. Each year we see the release of new smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other gadgets which in turn causes the older models to become out of date rather quickly. Although it is great fun to get the latest tech, what we have is a large collection of unused devices taking up space in our drawers and closets. Also, it is not just about the clutter, we also have a responsibility to the planet. Used electronics, if not disposed of properly, will in fact damage the environment which is a result of the chemicals they contain. But also we have at our disposal very smart, ethical and in some cases profitable options for recycling or selling off our outdated technology.

If you are at a loss as to what to do with your out-of-date devices, this guide will help you out in the process of recycling or trading them in the best ways.

1. Check the Status of Your Devices.

Do not bring out-of-date tech to the recycler or trade in at this time. As a first step check the machine over. You may get more out of it than you think. Even broken devices usually have some that are usable or which can be fixed. For example, a phone which has a broken screen. The battery, charging port or internal storage may still be in great condition.

Before you trade in or recycle your device, make sure to erase all of your data. Also back up your contacts, photos, and files to a second device or the cloud then do a full reset.

2. Trade in for cash or credit programs.

Today what is very popular is that top tech companies, cellular carriers, or phone manufacturers that have implemented trade-in programs. We see them as easy ways to trade in your old phone for store credit, towards a new purchase, or even cash out. Depending on the phone’s condition and make, you may get a fair amount.

If your phone is broken in terms of looks or it doesn’t turn on, we have trade-in programs which will come and pick it up from you for a lesser amount but will recycle your device. This takes the work out of disposal out of your hands and also puts some money into your pocket towards your next tech purchase.

3. Give To Schools, Charities, or Community Centers.

If you have something that works but you aren’t into selling or trading it, then donate it. In schools, libraries, and charities there is a constant need for computers, tablets, and phones for educational and outreach purposes. Your old laptop may provide a student access to online courses, a charity the means to connect with members, or a community center the chance to present digital literacy classes.

Check that the tech is still working, clear out your info, and donate it responsibly. This action may not make you money but it will greatly help those who can’t afford brand new devices.

4. Sell to end consumer.

Selling what you own in tech products into the end user market usually gets you a better price than what trade-in stores will pay. Use local online groups and tell people in person to get the word out that you have used tech items to sell at a discount. Most people buy older devices for backup, spare, or gift purposes.

When putting up for sale items that you no longer use, put out full information about the condition of the device, issues which it has, and which accessories go with it. Also clean the device out well before you hand it over and do a factory reset to protect your personal data.

It’s a bit of extra work from you but the reward may be worth it.

5. Repurpose old devices.

At times we don’t see recycling as putting a device out of use — we repurpose it. Also we find that much old tech can be put to use for which it wasn’t originally designed.

For example:

• Old phones can be used for security cameras, music players, or standalone e-readers.
• Old tablets may be used as digital picture frames, in the kitchen as recipe displays, or as smart home device controls.

You can give new life to old computers by installing lightweight operating systems like Linux which in turn you may use for basic Internet use and document production.

Renewing your tech’s life gives it a second chance at use and also usually can help solve small DIY issues in the home or office.

6. Recycling at Certified E-Waste Centers.

And for devices where repair is not an option or that are so out-of-date as to have no real value, we have recycling which steps in. Certified e-waste recycling facilities are experts at breaking down electronics in a way that does not cause environmental damage by which they remove deadly elements like lead, mercury, and cadmium from the landfills.

They also are in the business of recovering precious materials which include copper, aluminum and gold from internal components thus reducing the need for more mining and resource extraction.

Local governments set up e-waste drop-off centers in most areas which in turn makes it easy for you to bring in your old electronics for safe disposal. By using certified recyclers we see to it that your equipment is handled in full compliance with environmental safety standards.

7. Trade in for Parts or Do It Yourself Repairs.

Another way to get value out of out-of-date tech is by trading in the device for parts or using it in your own do-it-yourself repair projects. People that want parts from the old devices use them to renovate other gadgets. Out-of-date phones’ screens, batteries, and charging units are very much in demand.

If you prefer to do things yourself you can also learn to take apart and rework the pieces for your own tech projects or repair tasks. Though for most that is not fun, hobbyists or tech repair enthusiasts may in fact learn a great deal from broken out-of-service machines.

8. Leverage technology companies’ recycling programs.

Most large tech companies run their own recycling programs which may not always result in a return for what you trade in. What they do is make sure that the recycling is done properly. Also in some cases they issue out recycling certificates or store credit.

Join in also is a great way to deal with e-waste, especially if you are always updating your tech.

9. Renew Accessories and Peripherals.

It turns out that primary devices aren’t the only ones; we also have a tendency to accumulate old keyboards, mice, cables, chargers and cases. Most of these peripherals may be reused, donated or recycled separately. For example:

• Old cables may be used as spares or in DIY electronics projects.
• Chargers can often be reused for other devices.
• We may donate cases that are in good condition.

Creating a stock of small tech accessories which are still useful helps in reducing waste.

10. Host and attend Tech Swap Events.

Local communities and tech-savvy groups are seeing great success with what we may term community tech exchanges. At these events people come together to trade in gadgets, parts, and accessories. What may not be of value to you may be exactly what another person is looking for.

Tech exchanges are great for building out relationships, learning how to fix up hardware, and we also see value in them from a waste reduction perspective. Also a casual get-together of colleagues or friends may see in an impromptu swap or the finding of useful items.

11. Use it as a study tool.

In the past we have seen that old tech can in fact be very effective as a learning tool for children and adults who are interested in how devices work. A broken and taken apart old smartphone or computer can in fact put young minds at work trying to understand electronics, circuits, and computer hardware. It is also a very hands-on way to teach basic engineering principles which also has the benefit of not breaking expensive equipment.

Also for older machines we see use in home project setup and play. What we have to learn from them is that old tech still has value when it is not the latest.

Final Thoughts

Technology’s breakneck progression does not have to equal continuous waste. With the practice of smart recycling and trade in you can clean out your home, help out others, get some extra money, and be a good world neighbor. Whatever your choice — to donate, sell, reuse or recycle intelligently — each used device can have a second go.

We see that when we do away with old tech we play a role in the issue of e-waste and at the same time we miss out on the chance to get the most out of what we have. Next time you are about to put that old laptop or phone in a drawer think how it’s still got a lot to give in other hands.