It seems as soon as we get used to the way an electronic device works, something faster and more efficient comes out on the market. With new products and great deals available during the holidays, many old devices find themselves replaced during this time. Unless a friend or family member would gladly take the old device off your hands, it most likely will turn into a dust-collector and should just be tossed to avoid clutter.

Electronics in landfills, also known as e-waste, are dangerous on multiple levels. According to How to Recycle Old Electronics by Consumer Reports, “a United Nations study reported that 44.7 million tons of e-waste was discarded in 2016, and only 20 percent of it was disposed of properly.” Improperly discarded electronics can leak toxins such as lead, mercury, and cadmium into the environment. In addition, any personal information not removed from a device may easily be taken.

Avoid the risks and take advantage of one of the many services available to properly dispose of your old electronics. Many big-box stores have bins set up for your devices, making it easy to throw away the old stuff while doing your post-holiday returns.

Also, check with your favorite thrift or second-hand shop to find out what they accept. And of course, you can bring them to the Miami County Transfer Station. Check out our blog post Tossing Technology for more information on what to do with your old electronics and batteries!