How To: Recycle Older Tech Devices After the Holidays

2020 was an excellent year for technology lovers. From voice-controlled gadgets for the home to the latest smartphones, gaming consoles, and laptops, exciting new technology was on everyone's wish list. So, it's no surprise that many of us unwrapped some shiny new tech this Holiday season.

 But have you thought about where all your old smartphones and tablets go? Is it a landfill or a growing stack of tech gadgets in your attic? We have a better idea! There are lots of simple ways to recycle your old equipment.  Here are a few of our favorite ideas:

 Phone Recycling 

Phones and their batteries are some of the easiest electronics to recycle, according to Call2Recycle. (Remember to transfer any data and photos on your old phone to a new phone, or otherwise save your images before performing a factory reset. Remember to remove the SIM card if it's still there.) The company accepts all phones and batteries regardless of size, make, model, or age. Call2Recycle can refurbish the device for resale or recycle the materials for a new device. 

 For phone recycling Best Buy accepts three phones per household per day, Lowes Home Improvement has recycling centers at every location, Home Depot takes phones up to 11 pounds, and Staples also has recycling available for phones.  Whole Foods works with Secure the Call to get 911 emergency-only phones to senior citizens and domestic violence shelters. Just make sure you bring the charger. You can also donate your gently used phones to Cell Phones for Soldiers.

 Laptop Recycling 

According to Tech Soup, if your computer is less than five years old, chances are it can be put to good use by someone else. Newer laptops can go to local nonprofits or libraries after being refurbished. You can find a program through Microsoft's Registered Refurbisher directory.

 If the device is too old or out of shape to donate, you can recycle it. Again, Earth911 makes it easy: Search for "laptop computer" and enter your ZIP code to find the nearest drop-off site. Dell's Goodwill Reconnect Program also accepts old and broken hardware.

Make sure the program you're leaving your old hardware with is reputable on the Environmental Protection Agency's Certified Electronics Recyclers site, and feel free to reach out to the refurbisher or recycler to double-check.

 Cameras

Back before smartphones, people did use actual cameras. If you still have one hidden in your junk drawer and want to get rid of it – you can! 

Best Buy and Home Depot accept cameras and camcorders. Lowes also takes cameras. And, of course, Earth911 and Call2Recycle are options for the lot of your used electronics.