Green Your Gadgets -- Disposal

Last week, congressional watchdog agency GAO published a report on high-tech toxic trash exports and Greenpeace released its ninth annual Guide to Greener Electronics. This week's tips cover ways to keep consumer electronics from harming human health and the environment.

Tip #3: Sell or donate unwanted gear

What's the easiest way to avoid sending e-waste to irresponsible recyclers? Give your old gadgets new life in the hands of students and families who can't afford the latest electronics. Sites like eBay and Craigslist make it easy to sell unwanted items, while freecycle.org lets you find people in your city or neighborhood to pick up giveaways. If you'd like help assessing value, erasing personal data, creating a listing, and shipping or trading in an old device, you can turn to the Rethink Initiative. Hosted on eBay, the site represents a coalition of tech companies, anti-toxics groups, philanthropies, the EPA, and other groups working to manage e-waste (and generate business, in some cases) by connecting buyers, sellers and charities--so you can get that PC-o-saurus or old-school boombox out of your basement and back to work.

Share your tips: Have you sold, donated, or bought used electronics? What advice can you share with others thinking about doing the same?

Comments

[allyssa benson]

In response to the article about used gadgets and donating those used electronics there is an excellent way to do this. I work in a Service and Civic Engagement Office and we work with a women's shelter.One of the things you can do is donate a previously used cell phone that still works but you no longer have use for to the shelter adn then they supply it with minutes for someone who needs it for emergencies. Before tossing your old cell phones, check with your local shelters and see if they have this program too.

[Jenni]

With your computers that you aren't using anymore, donate to a place that refurbishes them, and shares them with people who wouldn't be able to get one any other way. In my city, the PVA is the place to do that, and then they are past on to people with disabilities. This is greatly appreciated, since most live on a fixed income, and wouldn't be able to afford to buy one on their own.
And I had read somewhere that a kid is doing that for other kids in the schools who don't have one in their homes.

[amanda]

I have started a furniture bank/donations warehouse where we take in useable items to save them going to the land fills & give them to those in need free of charge. This includes those from private individuals & we are working on the retail stores & manufacturers in both the regions we serve

[amanda]

In case you want to know more we can be reached at newbeginningsyorkdurham@yahoo.ca we are located in Ontario Canada

[Serge Lescouarnec]

Just mentioned your tips in my Green Day story on 'Serge the Concierge'
http://www.sergetheconcierge.com/green_day/

Take care

Serge
'The French Guy from New Jersey'