Grandmas get Boca Raton, but most gadgets aren't fortunate enough to live out their last days in the sun. According to the EPA, those electronics that don't rest in peace (or pieces) at the bottom of a drawer end up cramped in a landfill with the other 4.6 million tons of electronic waste that are dumped each year. Fortunately, there's a home for most any device to expire with dignity.
Computers
Most of the major computer manufacturers offer a recycling program for their own systems -- as well as their competitor's systems -- through their Web sites. At
ComputerTakeBack.com, you can see each plan spelled out alongside any sweet trade-in incentives that manufacturers, and even some retailers, are offering. Just be sure to thoroughly
erase the data on your hard drive, though.
Tags: breaking+news, Green, Recycling, Earth Day, Green,Recycling,EarthDay, top
Comments
42
Subscribe to commentsahow628Apr 22nd 2008 2:25PM
If you are a Costco Member (and perhaps even if you are not, I'm not sure) you can go to the following site:
http://www.greensight.com/CostcoTrades/Common/equiptypes.aspx?SiteXfrMsg=1
They will give you a Costco gift card if you send in computers, PDAs, Cameras, and other gadgets. CRT monitors, printers, and fax machines can be sent in but no gift card is given.
momma bearApr 22nd 2008 3:38PM
Call your local Girl Scout Council (www.gsusa.org) and find out if they are recycling computer ink catridges. They only make a few pennies but it helps!
FulviteSep 16th 2008 12:11PM
Remember to remove all contacts from those cells before donating them, and and saved text's. A factory restore should make this quick.
SmokeyApr 19th 2007 8:51PM
Great info we all can use. Good article with great links.
Thanks
loriApr 19th 2007 9:08PM
That was great info...!!Stuff we NEED to know.
Lori
www.lalalips.com
FonyaApr 19th 2007 9:37PM
HOW do I "thoroughly erase the data on (my) hard drive", when it has crashed?
LaurenApr 19th 2007 10:26PM
How do you actually thoroughly erase the data in your hard drive to be sure no one can retrieve it. I have everything on my computer from shopping lists to social security number, bank accounts, credit card numbers, passcodes, etc. Thanks
DanApr 19th 2007 11:22PM
Popular Mechanics just had an artical on that last month. They said to take the drive out, drill holes in it and then sandpaper the face.
IleneApr 19th 2007 11:23PM
All the old discarded cell phones are on e-bay
KristinaApr 19th 2007 11:41PM
I checked out the return policy for my old computer. The company expected it to be more intact. I had upgraded some of the hardware and would need to put back the old stuff to return it. I also had gutted it pretty good when I bought a new one. Keeping the hard drive. Taking what is left of the old one to a thrift store. it will be up to them to do what they want with it.Read the recycle policy carefully and don't throw out any parts in case you might need them later.
JenniferApr 20th 2007 12:12AM
Good one Fonya! I have always wondered that as well...!!!!!!!
MindyApr 20th 2007 12:12AM
If you live near Lane County in Oregon, you can give ANY electronics to NextStep Recycling (2101 W. 10th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402). They have a zero waste model for reusing and recycling. If computers can be refurbished, they are gifted to underserved community members or sold very cheaply (with a warranty) in their thrift store. They are a nonprofit organization that is committed to bridging the digital divide and protecting the environment.
judiApr 20th 2007 12:45AM
ummmmmmmm...........airhead that i am, i gave my pc to friend(?) and less than a month later someone tried to get into my checking account! thank heavens for their security!
(i had paid him once by check!)
bybeecrystalApr 20th 2007 1:07AM
I seen at my local verizon store a recycling bin set up for cell phones that got towards helping battered women. I am not exactly sure how but it seems worth checking out.
crystalApr 20th 2007 12:56AM
I seen a recycling bin at my local verizon dealer for old cell phones. The sign said the cell phones go towards helping battered women. I didn't find out just how, but I am going to definitly going to!
justmeApr 14th 2009 5:45PM
The cellphones are activated for emergency use (911) and distributed to battered women for added security. That way they can contact the police immediately if necessary.
DarleneApr 20th 2007 1:12AM
TO CRYSTAL--- ITS NOT SEEN ITS SAW THE LEAST YOU CAN DO IS USE PROPER ENGLISH
xylaApr 20th 2007 1:50AM
I accidently erased everything on my hard drive by pressing f10. I believe that would work when wanting to recycle a computer.
rwmApr 20th 2007 1:45AM
Darlene - Your point would be stronger if you didn't shout at poor Crystal, and if you yourself did not make a punctuation error.
xylaApr 20th 2007 1:54AM
When I used f10 to erase the hard drive it brought the computer back the way it was the day I bought it. All the icons that was on then were back on the computer.