Spring Cleaning- What To Do With Old Electronics?

It’s that time of year again: Spring time! The days are warm, the nights are cool, and that dreaded cloud of mosquitoes hasn’t yet settled over South Texas. I don’t know if it’s the flowers blooming, the longer days, or warmer weather but the combination puts a kick in our step, a move in our groove, a curious new energy.

Cherry Blossom Trees in NYC

What better time to de-clutter your life with some spring cleaning? When I am able to focus my newfound spring energy into doing some organizing, it is always very daunting as to what to do with my old electronics. We all kind of know we’re not supposed to simply throw them in the trash, but what do you do with them?

We’re here to help! Unless you’re living under a rock, your days revolve around your electronics and they eventually die on us or simply need to be upgraded. To get rid of your old electronics, there are two routes: REUSE or RECYCLE.

REUSE

This option is for electronics that are still functioning. They might need a little TLC but for the most part are operational. You can always take your old electronics to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. Here’s an even cooler way to donate them…

Do you have one of these old guys laying around?

The National Cristina Foundation pairs up your old electronics with people that really need them. They ensure that they are given to people with disabilities, students at risk and economically disadvantaged persons to allow them the opportunity to lead more independent and productive lives.

Not only can you get ride of your old stuff, but someone that would otherwise be unable to access those electronics can grow and benefit from reusing yours. Pretty cool if you ask me!

Click here for more details about donating. Before donating any electronics, especially computers and phones, make sure and remember to remove all of your personal information! 

RECYCLE

If your used electronics are no longer operational, recycling them will ensure that all of their toxic components are kept out of our environment. Best Buy has a great plan for eCycling (as they call it) whether or not you buy anything from their store. There are a few restrictions, but their policy is “no matter where you bought it, we’ll recycle it.” Click here and select your state from the drop-down menu to view program details in your area.

Have you ever thought about recycling old batteries? I normally just toss them in the garbage without a second thought. For a small fee, you can get Battery Solution’s iRecycle Kit. Just start throwing old batteries (up to 12 lbs.) into the box and once it’s full just toss the prepaid package into the mail. It’s definitely something to think about!

Connect Realty is a virtual company that is only able to exist because of advances in technology. Although Connect is committed to staying ahead of the technology curve, let’s not be a company that loses sight of what’s best in the long-term in favor of short-term conveniences. We can do a world of good by reusing our old electronics or taking the time to recycle them.

Enjoy that Spring weather!