Things to Consider When Recycling Electronics – Part 2

Continuing where we left off, we will further discuss the valuable pointers when it comes to recycling your old electronics.

What Are the Ways in Which Old Electronics May Be Recycled?

Electronics are typically recycled at private and public facilities. Donation centers often receive functional but aging electronics that have been passed down from family to family.

Certain cities, including New York, have banned citizens from putting electronic waste in the regular trash. If they are found, they might have to pay a fee.

The following are the typical stages involved in recycling electronic devices:

1. Collection: Electronics waste cannot be recycled until it is first collected.

2. Shredding: The method focused on disassembling electronics into their individual parts.

3. Dust Extraction: The shredded materials undergo a process wherein the dust is removed.

4. Magnetic Separation: Nickel, cobalt, and iron are just a few of the metals that may be extracted using magnets.

5. Water Separation: Plastics and glass can be separated using water.

6. Water Purification: Used water must be treated before it may be reused.

7. Processing Recycled Materials: Recyclables go through a series of steps in order to be transformed into something completely different.

Exporting Your E-waste

Most first-world manufacturers ship their E-waste to developing nations like China and India because of the cheaper labor expenses associated with dismantling the complex devices and sorting out their individual components. According to Earth 911, approximately 70 percent of all electronic waste is sent to China.

The recyclable parts of electronic equipment may include the following:

  • Batteries
  • Circuit boards
  • Donating Old Electronics
  • Glass
  • Hard disks
  • Mercury
  • Metal
  • Plastic
  • Toner and ink cartridges

As the old adage goes, one person’s garbage is another person’s treasure. If you no longer have a use for an electronic device, consider donating it to someone who may.

Donating Them to Social Programs

Not sure where to take your unwanted gadgets? Join a social movement.

Your used but still, functional electronics could be of great service to someone else. SIMS Lifecycle Services’ WeCare Program, for instance, recycles old devices. Specifically, they are put to use in the rural areas of South Africa to help spread computer literacy.

With the goal of “creating jobs, eliminating and recycling e-waste, and educating people about e-waste and refurbished gadgets,” the SIMS Lifecycle Services program is doing much more than simply closing the “digital divide in Africa.”

Repairing Your Old Electronics

Many broken electronic devices can be fixed to the point that they can function again. Rather than throwing them away, broken electronics can be fixed and put back into service.

Sara Behdad, in an article for TheConversation.com, proposes that we evaluate electronic devices in the same way that we evaluate automobiles. In her article, she states, “In the past, the common response to a broken car has been to fix it.” As an extension, “Repair manuals, knowledgeable mechanics, and auto part stores make car repairs common, quick, and reasonably inexpensive.”

Behdad, a proponent of fixing electronics, also argues, “Our research also demonstrates that the failure of most electronic gadgets is due to trivial incidents such as dropping a device or spilling water on it.”

Choosing the Best Electronics Recycling Company

It is critical to discard your old electronics at an authorized facility if you want to reap the full benefits of recycling. This means that research about a recycler’s reputation is essential before committing to one.

Some private recycling facilities may not be operating ethically; thus, it’s important to understand how they operate. It’s also worth noting that, once overseas, not all exported e-waste is managed in an environmentally responsible manner.

Conclusion

Overall, it’s important to remember a few key things when recycling electronics. First, be sure to check with your local recycling center to see what items they accept. Second, always recycle responsibly by wiping all personal data from your devices before recycling them. And finally, make sure to recycle all components of your electronic devices, not just the main unit.

By following these simple tips, you can help make a difference in the fight against electronic waste.

If you are looking for a reliable Recycling Center in Atlanta that would help you with your old electronics, look no further than our services here at Atlanta Green Recycling . We provide complete sustainable, cost-effective solutions for the recycling and disposal of electronics to businesses and residential customers around Atlanta. Call us today and let us discuss the old electronics that you may be planning to recycle.

To get started recycling your old electronics, give us a call at (404) 999-4758 or complete the schedule a pickup form for businesses.