According to the EPA, of the roughly 2.25 million tons of used and unwanted electronics each year, 18% is collected for recycling and roughly 82% winds up in landfills. We all have that junk drawer in our home, filled with discarded cell phones and chargers we don’t want to throw out (don’t!) but don’t quite know what else to do with. Here’s what you do: Recycle them for cash. Sites like SecureTradeIn.com, YouRenew.com and Gazelle.com will pay for your used phones and other electronics.
Even if you find your old hunk o’ junk has been sitting so long it has no value, remember that the parts in it are still valuable (and potentially toxic if not disposed of properly) so clear the clutter and recycle your electronics — or look into donating cell phones to charity.
Where to Donate
Freecycle.org and sites like it (including Freesharing.org and Sharing is Giving) make giving away your stuff super easy.
Goodwill has teamed up with Dell in the Dell Reconnect partnership. Computers, keyboards, monitors, and printers are among the items accepted at more than 2,600 Goodwill locations.
National Cristina Foundation will find an organization that can use your computer, printers, and other peripherals and software, as well as cameras, fax machines, answering machines, and more. The group will arrange with you for pickup or delivery of the equipment.
Recycling for Charities will donate cash to a charity of your choice, with a percentage of the market value for every item to be refurbished or a set amount for recycled items, ranging from a penny to $100.
The Salvation Army accepts computers, monitors, printers, DVD players, VCRs, typewriters, stereos, copiers, radios, and more. Call your local office or check the organization’s website for more information.