Do you have an old computer or electronic device that is just collecting dust? You can recycle those old devices to help free up some space in your house. We have compiled a list of reputable companies that will help you properly dispose your old electronics.
Why Should You Recycle Electronics?
In 2011, New Jersey passed a Disposal Ban which restricts residents from disposing electronics in the garbage. New Jersey consumers and small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees, can recycle for free at the approved manufacturers collection sites.
Electronic products are made from valuable resources and materials, including metals, plastics, and glass, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Donating or recycling consumer electronics conserves our natural resources and avoids air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by manufacturing virgin materials.
What Should You Do Before Recycling?
Before you recycle or sell any of your old electronics, you want to make sure you have done a complete backup of all your data. Then you should completely erase all of your information. This will protect your identity and keep all your personal information private. Many retailers will do a complete data removal but we recommend you do one yourself first.
3 Reputable Companies That Recycle Electronics:
Best-Buy
- They accept all kinds of used tech, no matter where you bought it or how old it is
- No charge for recycling
- There is a trade in program
- Limit 3 items per household per day
- They will recycle:
- TV/Video
- Rechargeable Batteries
- Audio
- Car Audio, Video, & GPS
- Cameras & Camcorders
- Mobile Phones & Home Office
- Music, Movies, & Books
- Video Games & Gadgets
- Computers
- Home Items (Cables and Connectors, Hair Dryers, etc)
- Some Appliances In Store (Vacuum, Fans)
- They will haul away a major appliance or television from your home for free when a qualifying replacement product is delivered by Geek Squad® or Best Buy Home Delivery. Then they will make sure it is properly and safely recycled.
- Additional major appliances or TVs can be removed and recycled at a cost of $20 per unit.
- The products are removed from Best Buy stores, consolidated, and then delivered directly to one of their contracted recycling partners. From there, the recyclers determine if the product can be repaired, repurposed or recycled.
Apple
- Offers Apple gift cards in return for recycling certain devices that are eligible for reuse.
- Only iPhone or eligible smartphones, iPad, and Mac or PC desktop and notebook computers qualify for the Apple Reuse and Recycling Program.
- No cost to consumer for recycling
- For equipment with no monetary value, Apple contracts with Sims Recycling Solutions to process the recycling of your equipment. Call 800-966-4135 to receive your prepaid shipping label. Then pack your equipment securely for shipment to Sims Recycling Solutions using packaging materials that you provide.
- There is a maximum per-box weight limit of 70 pounds.
Staples
- Limit 6 items per customer per day
- Offers Technology trade-in for certain electronics
- Get a Staples eCash Card when you trade in your old technology in store or online.
- Items accepted for free recycling:
- Desktop and all-in-one computers
- Laptops, tablets, eReaders
- Monitors
- Desktop printers, copiers, scanners, faxes, multifunction devices
- Shredders
- UPS/battery backup devices (with or without included battery)
- Computer peripherals including mice, keyboards, modems, routers and computer speakers
- Small electronics including mobile phones, MP3 players/iPods, calculators, GPS devices, digital cameras, camcorders and cordless phones
- Digital projectors, CD/DVD/Blu-ray players, gaming devices, A/V receivers, video streaming devices, cable/satellite receivers
- External hard drives and small servers
- Rechargeable batteries (if 11 pounds or less)
If you are a resident of New Jersey, E-Cycle New Jersey is a great resource to further assist you!
[cait-kinslow]