How to Properly Recycle Your Electronics

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E-waste has become one of the largest refuse issues in the world. With many containing toxic substances, it is imperative that you recycle such devices whenever possible. To properly recycle electronics, you will need to know what places accept electronic items.

If you have old electronic devices like outdated cell phones, chargers, and more, there are ways to safely recycle them, so they do not wind up in a landfill. Below are a few places to take such devices so either their parts or the entire item can be used again. 

Recycling Locations

Before you start the recycling process, remove any personal information. In addition, remove any batteries as they may need to be recycled separately. Plus, any broken parts should be put into bags so that any hazardous material inside does not leak. 

You should be able to find all recycling centers that accept e-waste through your local directory. You can also go online to places such as Call2Recycle which takes rechargeable batteries and cell phones across the US. 

Plus, if you go to Computer Technology Association and visit their recycling locator page or the recycling database at Earth911, you can enter your zip code and find any recycling centers that are near you. 

Donations

But what if you have devices that still work or perhaps could be made to work again? Then you can donate your items to a nonprofit or charity organization that accepts them. There are local organizations that cater to seniors and those who may not have the budget to purchase new devices that can use your old ones. 

Plus, you can get a receipt that can be used to deduct the taxes from next year’s income tax form, so you can benefit in that way. Places such as Dell Reconnect which works with Goodwill, eBay for Charity, and the World Computer Exchange are places that will accept donations of working items or items that need a little work to become operational again. 

Tech Companies 

Another option to recycle your electronic devices is to take them to a tech firm. There are many manufacturers along with retailers that will properly recycle electronics or refurbish them for other uses. 

You can also check with other large and local tech companies to see what type of recycling program they offer. Just remember that you have several options, so choose the one that best suits your needs. 

Understanding how to properly recycle electronics not only means a cleaner, safer world, but it also means that others will benefit from what you no longer need. Proper recycling means less e-waste which protects the environment while allowing others to enjoy the benefits of technology.  

Contact Brickley Environmental Today 

With numerous dangers facing your home or business, calling the professionals at Brickley Environmental is a good place to start. We offer our knowledge and experience along with the tools to detect and remove infestations of various types. The services provided by Brickley Environmental include the following. 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Mold Remediation
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal 
  • Demolition 
  • Hazardous Waste Removal

If you are facing any of these issues, call Brickley Environmental today. Our friendly, courteous staff will take your call and answer your questions, so you can make the best-informed decision about what to do next. At Brickley Environmental, we are here to help you.

Recycling Programs Initiated for Unwanted Electronic Equipment and Styrofoam Products

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Recently, the residents of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, gained access to a new, free recycling center for unwanted electronic devices and some forms of Styrofoam. Thanks to a grant by the Environmental Commission, this new program promises to be more convenient for residents to dispose of unwanted waste materials.

Electronic Devices

The devices that qualify for proper recycling in the new facility include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Monitors, televisions, and computers
  • Tablets, laptops, and e-readers
  • Printers, copy machines, and fax machines

Before dropping off your electronic items for recycling, you may want to consider selling or donating the ones that are still in working condition. There are several places that accept donations where people can use electronic devices for their needs. In some cases, you may want to remove all your information from the drive itself.

Given the amount of electronic waste in the US, having a place to recycle such devices provides the citizens of Berkeley Heights a way to get rid of the unwanted materials with a clear conscious. It also provides a means to recycle parts, wiring, and components into new products. This approach will help save money over the long run by reusing old materials.

Styrofoam

A new recycling program for products made from Styrofoam has also been launched in Berkeley Heights. The products that may be recycled should have all adhesives, stickers, and tape removed before disposing of. Some of the products that qualify include the following:

  • Packaging foam for furniture and appliances
  • Block form foam
  • White clean foam

Be advised that there are several products made from Styrofoam that cannot be included for recycling purposes, such as foodservice foam, dark-colored foam, egg cartons, peanut foam, cardboard foam, and foam that is dirty or wet.

This may be of concern to residents who have considerable amounts of Styrofoam products but cannot have them recycled because of the additional inks and coloring that is present. This is why egg cartons are not allowed even though they are mostly made from Styrofoam.

Brickley Environmental Offers Answers

If you have questions about what to do with the waste generated by Styrofoam or old electronic devices in your residence, office, or facility, call Brickley Environmental today and get the answers you need.

E-Waste: Always A Problem

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There are many different types of waste, but electronic waste, or e-waste, is generally harder to get rid of for a number of reasons.

What is E-Waste?

E-waste is a term applied to the waste created by discarded computers, mobile devices, servers, cameras, storage devices, and more. Once the electronic device is no longer needed, it tends to be difficult to get rid of because of the investment placed in such a device and the different disposal options that must be followed.

In other words, just dumping a computer and monitor in the trash is not a viable option; it must be sent to the proper place first.

Proper Disposal for E-Waste

When you are ready to dispose of your e-waste, you do have several options that comply with local and state laws.

Proper Disposal: You will need to confer with the laws to see which disposable methods can be used for your electronic device. They do vary from state to state, but generally speaking, you will need to follow certain guidelines when disposing of the device.

Give to Someone Else: If the device is still in working condition, then you can donate it to someone you know or a charity that accepts them. You’ll find organizations around your community that take in devices of all types, update them, and give the devices to those in need.

Recycle: There are recycling centers that can refurbish the device or strip it of its parts for use in other devices. Recycling is a popular business in many communities and can be a profitable one for those who have access to considerable amounts of e-waste.

Disposal Concerns

If security is a concern, you can always destroy the memory storage systems so they cannot be used again. The organizations that accept donations will remove all data and information from the device so that it cannot be used against you.

Getting rid of e-waste may be harder than most initially think because of the various rules and regulations. The good news is that there are professional companies designed to help you in ridding your property of such waste.

How Brickley Environmental Can Help

If you need to get rid of e-waste, then the professionals at Brickley Environmental are here for you. At Brickley Environmental, you will have knowledgeable, experienced professionals at your disposal to offer sound advice and take the necessary actions to clean your property of e-waste quickly and safely.