Have a drawer full of used phones and adapters? Do you hide old computers and cables in a closet? Afraid to ditch these old cables, adapters, and phones for fear of “needing” them? Now, is it simply not knowing what to do with them? Should they be recycled, donated or thrown away?

According to the Consumer Electronics Association, the average life expectancy of smartphones is 4.7 years and of computers 4 years. I think that’s being generous.

What it means to you is less space in your closet or drawers. Time to do something about it.

To tackle electronic device clutter on your own, read on to remove electronic clutter from your home and get rid of electronic waste.

Steps to get rid of unwanted and used phones and electronic devices

1. Sell them. Many phones, tablets, and laptops can be sold, even if they no longer work.

  • Gazelle.com will give you a quote, ship it free, and pay you cash for your electronic devices.

  • Use the Amazon exchange program and exchange used electronics for Amazon gift cards. Like Gazelle, they will give you a quote and ship it for free.

  • Local Target, Best Buy, and Game Stop stores also buy used electronics. Ask at the customer service desk.

2. Donate them. There are people in need who will benefit from your electronic donation.

  • Cell Phones for Soldiers is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to serving troops and veterans with free communication services and emergency funding. Each donated device valued at $ 5 will provide troops with an estimated 2.5 hours of FREE talk time. Just print a free label to ship your old phones or find a drop-off location near you.

  • Through a partnership with Dell, many Good Will stores now accept cell phones and computers for recycling at no charge.

3. Recycle them. Electronic devices contain things that are not good for the environment and should be recycled rather than thrown away.

  • Dcal Services, LLC, located in St. Louis, recycles most electronic devices for free and charges a small fee for some items.

  • Call 2 Recycle is nationwide and allows you to find a drop-off location near you and tell you exactly what that drop-off location will accept.

  • Many cities offer free electronic recycling days at least once a year. Check with your city to find out when these events are scheduled.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *