Eco-Friendly Appliance and Electronics Recycling

After my lovely 15 month old son broke the third phone I bought in the past year, I began my hunt YET AGAIN for a new cell phone. While browsing, a certain cell phone caught my eye – a device made almost entirely out of recycled cell phone parts. It wasn't the “prettiest” of the cell phones, and it certainly lacked a lot of the things that phones these days offer (touch screens, video recorders and the like). But I was so in love with the idea of having a phone made of recycled bits and pieces that I just had to have it.

Responsible Recycling

Though I never took the time to notice this before, in each and every “new” cell phone box there is a plastic packet (postage paid) which allows you to slip your old cell phone into the mail and back to the manufacturer.

Larger appliances, such as a refrigerator, a television or a dishwasher can be a bit more difficult to recycle. You don't need to wait until spring clean-up to get rid of these things (often spring clean-ups refuse picking up such items anyway). Check your local phone book or do a quick Internet search to find companies that will take away your busted and broken appliances for free!

For the Profiteer

Many appliances do actually still have valuable working parts inside. For items such as cell phones and MP3 players in particular “selling” your broken item for parts may be a good way to go if you need a bit of extra 'dough.

Swap your Stuff

A large percentage of appliances that we get rid of aren't actually broken or completely useless. Many people just want the newest gadget or appliance, not caring if their old phone, laptop or microwave was still in perfect working order. Rather than kick these items straight to the curb, why not try giving your stuff away for free to a non-profit organization? One of the most renowned non-profit organizations that have taken this on is freecycle.org.

And hey, that site isn't just about giving; it's about getting too! If you or someone else is in need of an appliance of any sort, be sure to check out their website to find the local volunteer in your area. To do so, click on the “Browse” button at the top navigation bar and select both your country and your state/province. I was shocked to find that there were several freecycle.org volunteers within a 20 mile radius of me!

It is important for us to be responsible and respectful to our Earth, which means keeping as much good stuff out of landfills and to offer what we have in excess to those who need it most.

Happy recycling, everyone!

photo by CW Cav