Getting-Rid-of-Outdated-Electronics

Everyone wants to have the latest technological gadgets, but with technology moving at such a fast pace, what do you do with all of the outdated tech you have? Many people have more outdated electronics sitting around their homes than they realize, in boxes taking up valuable storage space or even still in your media cabinet or desk. But saving these items “just because” robs your home of valuable space and induces a feeling of clutter. Over time, you may hold on to those boxes of old phones or outdated computer parts because you’re not sure what to do with them.

With this guide, we aim to provide you with the best options for getting rid of unwanted electronics. Stop holding on to outdated technology in the hopes that it will come back around or because it holds sentimental value. While it may be hard to get rid of items that once cost a lot of money or meant something to you, there comes a point where they are merely acting as dust collectors. Don’t be confused or overwhelmed by the process of getting rid of old electronic components. Use this basic guide to become familiar with the process and you’ll see that it’s easier than you thought to take the right steps in disposing of your electronics and regaining your space.

If you have important documents or media, such make sure to copy them to new, more sustainable formats, such as over to your hard drive as digital files. For example, your old VHS home movies collection can be digitized so you can enjoy them for years to come. Search online for companies that provide these services. Also make sure to wipe all hard drives completely to protect your personal and financial information, to prevent identity theft or other issues. Once you’re ready, you can consider the following options to dispose of each item.

  • Selling/Trading: If an electronics item is 2-3 years old or less and is in good working order, the first place you should look to offloading it is online. Some vintage items can also find buyers who are collectors of specific categories. The best way to find out if there is a market for your items is to search on eBay or similar sites for your specific item or item category. Make sure to factor in fees and shipping costs when considering whether it is worth it to sell your items. Many phone companies and electronics stores will consider your old items toward trade-in credit for new electronics.
  • Donating: Only donate items that you feel have some life left in them. Electronics from the last 5-8 years are a good category to choose from. There are many different organizations available to accept your used electronics, including Goodwill and Salvation Army. You can also search your area for local charities that accept electronics. Don’t forget to request a receipt of your donations for tax purposes.
  • Recycling: While you might be tempted to toss your electronics in the garbage can, throwing them in the trash is not proper disposal. About half of the states in the US have laws requiring the recycling of old electronics, adopted to try to address the hazard they present to the environment. The reason why recycling is considered the proper option for disposal for most electronics is that they contain waste materials that are harmful to the environment if left in landfills or otherwise improperly disposed of. Everything from old TVs and phones to floppy discs needs to be recycled the correct way. Electronics can be stripped down to their individual elements—metal, plastic, and so forth—which are then used by companies like Microsoft and Apple to make new phones and computers.

At ABH Services Inc., we accept a wide range of electronics items, nearly everything you could bring in. We do charge a small fee for TVs and monitors. You are welcome to bring us anything with a plug, including:

  • Old computers and computer equipment such as mice, hard drives, and speakers
  • Printers and fax machines
  • Floppy discs, CDs, DVDs
  • Keyboards
  • Cellphones and Telephones

We have 20 years of experience providing Disposal and Recycling Services, and we know our stuff. Give us a call at 781-941-2422 to discuss the Recycling Services that we offer in-depth and to see if the items that you have qualify for recycling. To learn more about disposing of unneeded items in an environmentally responsible way, visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/abhservices.