Only 21% of U.S. consumers recycle their old electronics – which creates an even more depressing fact in that only 12% of electronics are getting recycled. I will be the first to agree that recycling electronics can be a HUGE pain! In the past when I’ve gotten rid of something that still works I’ve donated it to Goodwill. When we ripped out our kitchen we put our old, semi-working appliances in the alley and by morning they were gone. Whether they were taken to be used in a kitchen or even just for parts that is fine by me – better than going to the dump! ( I did call Goodwill to donate them but they only pick-up between 8am and 5pm and for two working people, those hours aren’t do-able.)
Small items seem to be rather easy to recycle. Cell phone recycle boxes are popping up not only in wireless phone retail stores but in other places like grocery stores. In select U.S. Post Offices, customers can get free prepaid mail-back envelopes for recycling inkjet cartridges, cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras and other small electronics. I’ve personally done this with an old, broken camera and found it to be super EASY!
The difficulties come when you want to get rid of non-working things such as a dvd player. I have yet to try out any of the sites below but I plan to when the opportunity arises. Just click through these to find which one best suites your needs. Some charge you a nominal fee which is seriously worth it if you consider that these things are just piling up in our landfills, however some will actually GIVE you money for your old junk! If you’re looking to get rid of a computer try contacting the manufacturer first as many are willing to take them off your hands.
Craigs List is a perfect way to buy and sell used items – maybe you can even find someone willing to take a broken gadget – they may want the parts!
Gazelle will even send you cash for your items!
If you live in Chicago there is a recycling drop off at 1150 N. North Branch. I do recall that they have limited hours and are only open one Saturday a month so be sure to call 311 to schedule your trip out there!
They accept the following items:
antifreeze
unused/expired medications
used motor oil
old gasoline
oil-based paints
paint thinners
aerosol paints and pesticides
herbicides
insecticides
propane tanks
lead acid batteries
pesticides
lawn chemicals
solvents
drain cleaners
cleaning products
pool chemicals
hobby chemicals
mercury
compact Fluorescent lamp and light bulbs
computers
old or unused prescription and over the counter medications
cell phones
