How to Recycle Unused Electronic Products

Like many, I own an abundance of old tech. From old desktop computer monitors to laptops with questionable batteries, fitness trackers, and more than a couple early-gen and wanna-be iPods, they're all obsolete electronics taking up space in my home. Recycling electronics is important in preventing the disposal of hazardous materials. By ensuring that electronic devices are recycled through certified programs, we can collectively reduce electronic waste and promote sustainable recycling practices in our communities.

How to Recycle Unused Electronic Products

You have a couple of options if you’re looking to recycle your unwanted electronics around the house. While many cite barriers to recycling electronics, groups like ecoATM, Gazelle, Backmarket, and the Amazon Trade-in Program are looking to change that. These four popular recycling opportunities protect the waste stream from electronic equipment.

Things to remember:

• Always prepare your device. "Reset it to its factory settings before recycling or selling it," reminds Dr. Maryam Ramin, Sustainability Expert at ecoATM. "When you restore your phone to its original state, all personal data and information is erased."
• Remove external storage. If your device has expandable storage like SD cards or external hard drives, remove them before handing over the device. If wiped clean, you can donate them separately for proper recycling.
• Remove rechargeable batteries. We're talking about your standard AAA, AA, C, D. If they're still in good condition, you can save them for future use.
• Remove SIM cards too, if applicable.
• Include the charging cables. If you're donating to a local organization, it'll be most appreciated.
• Donate products with any manuals or original documentation. (If you saved it!)

ecoATM

"ecoATM is a leader in recommerce with thousands of kiosks around the country that allow people to recycle or sell their devices for cash," shares Ramin. "[Our] ecoATM kiosks are found in national retail and grocery stores including Walmart, Kroger, Dollar General, among others. At these kiosks, you can recycle or sell phones, mp3 players, or tablets from Apple, Samsung, Google, LG, Motorola, and ZTE."

She adds, "The process is simple and only takes about 3-5 minutes to sell one device. You can find the closest ecoATM by visiting the company’s website and entering in your zip code."

Gazelle

Gazelle is a similar program available under the ecoATM umbrella . Ramin adds, "If people are interested in trading in their used smartphone or other device for a newer or different model, they can through Gazelle, which allows them to also sell their item or items for cash as well as purchase other certified pre-owned or refurbished electronics, including mobile phones."

Backmarket

Get a quote for your electronic devices in minutes on Backmarket, ship it off for free, and get the money you earned deposited directly into your bank account. Backmarket's buyback program accepts consumer electronics like phones, computers, gaming systems, smart tech, audio equipment, and more (plus, it's a great place to purchase refurbished tech, speaking from direct experience).

Important note: Products vary in demand and value, so if you don't get an offer for old tech on the first try, give it another go in a few weeks. Refurbishers may be in demand for your product as in-house inventory levels change.