Electronics Recycling
When your PC or laptop finally breaks down, or when you want to get rid of parts such as hard drives and batteries, you should never simply put the old items in the dumpster. As Consumer Reports explains, many electronics carry dangerous toxins like cadmium, mercury, or lead. No matter where the old parts and pieces end up, the elements inside them will pose a threat to the environment or people. The same source notes that half the States in the US now require electronics recycling by law. The following are options for recycling your laptops, PCs, computer parts, or other electronics.
Collection Days
Depending on your location, there may be certain days where your county or city opens certain areas as drop-off sites where you can deliver your old or broken electronics. To find out if and when your area has collection days, you may try a simple web search. Alternatively, you can call your city/county and request information. Another option is to go straight to the website of your city/county (usually ending in .gov) and search for listed recycling services there.
Organizations
Large organizations as well as smaller local ones are available to help you with electronics recycling. All it takes is a Google search to find one. Some of them cooperate with electronics stores, which can then accept old products. You may find an organization with an ethical standard you support. One source notes that a large number of recycling companies ship the old electronics to developing nations, simply abandoning them there. If you want to avoid this, find a responsible and ethical recycling organization.
Donate or Sell Your Electronics
Some thrift stores will take donated electronics. As noted in one article, nonprofit organizations (including religious charities) as well as schools accept old electronics as donations. It is also possible to sell laptops, PCs, or hard drives. The article suggests using Facebook groups where buyers and sellers meet and keep in touch. You can also use websites to sell your items or enter them in a public listing of items for sale.
Manufacturer Program
Sometimes, the manufacturing company of the PC or laptop offers a recycling program. These programs usually take old items back for no charge. The manufacturing company of your PC or laptop should be easy to find. On laptops, the brand name can be found on the back or on a sticker near the keyboard. From there, go to the manufacturer's websites and find their contact information. You can then ask him if they have a take-back program.
For more information, contact local professionals like Ranch Town Recycling Center Inc.