Should Old E-tronics Be Forgot (Auld Lange Syne)

[iwiw60]

Collectors Corner: Should Old E-tronics Be Forgot (Auld Lange Syne)

By Michele Alice
EcommerceBytes.com
January 08, 2012
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The holidays have come and gone, and everywhere everyone is asking the same question: "What should I do with all those old electronic gadgets that were replaced by new?" Luckily, you can choose from several options, several of which could put a little money in your pocket.

Your first choice is to just trash whatever it is. You just walk over to the garbage pail and drop in that obsolete GPS or cell phone. A larger item like a computer or monitor probably won't fit, but you can take it to the nearest municipal landfill where you will most likely be charged a special disposal fee. Trashing/dumping, however, may be the least desirable option since most electronics contain toxic substances like mercury, arsenic, and lead that contaminate the environment.

Reuse/recycle is another option. Is the item in good working order? You might be able to donate it to a local non-profit like the Salvation Army or the Goodwill or to an organization like Cell Phones for Soldiers.

If you would prefer to sell the unit, you could add it to your next yard sale or list it at an online auction site. If the item is damaged or not working, you may still be able to sell it to someone who needs to cannibalize it for replacement parts, or would like to replace a missing manual or accessory.

Don't forget to check out the myriad enterprises available online that will recycle parts from electronic units whatever their condition. In addition, electronics contain small amounts of precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum, and rare earths like yttrium and europium. Companies like Guzu, Gazelle, and BuyMyTronics.com are able to recycle in the quantities necessary to extract a profit, and they often pay for your item and for the cost of shipping them your item.

Many consumer electronics and office-supply stores and websites offer trade-in programs to give shoppers an incentive to upgrade their gadgets.

NOTE: I placed this article under Kitchen Table....could not locate an Electronics forum.

[suesjools]

Interesting, Mary, thanks for sharing this.


Best wishes for many sales to all,

[iwiw60]

Interesting, Mary, thanks for sharing this.


Best wishes for many sales to all,

Just the other day at work they were rolling out 4-5 old printers to the dumpster. I told them there might be some gold inside on the cards...you should have seen them tearing into them!LOL!! Thanks, Sue!

[suesjools]

Just the other day at work they were rolling out 4-5 old printers to the dumpster. I told them there might be some gold inside on the cards...you should have seen them tearing into them!LOL!! Thanks, Sue!

LOL! What some folks won't do for a quick buck.

Best wishes for many sales to all,