Recently I went to my town’s recycling center, for the first time. I had this old Sony CD player that no longer worked because the batteries leaked. I had tried to get it fixed when I discovered the leak, but when I called the company they said it was, unfortunately, a lot cheaper to buy a new player than to get this one fixed. Still I kept it, as I wanted to properly dispose of it.
That day at the recycling center, I was at loss as to which things went where. A gentleman asked me what I was looking for, and pointed out where to drop off electronics, books, energy light bulbs (which needed special disposal because they contain mercury), etc. I took out the CD player and was about to go to the electronic bin when he asked what was wrong with it. I explained the problem, and then he asked if he could take it as he thought he could fix it. Just my luck! If he can fix it and use it, then I am happy to save it from going into the landfill. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that some items can go to good homes or other good use. I can help clients feed good about what will happen to the things they no longer want.
Do you have a story to share about an item you thought you for sure would need to throw out because it no longer worked, yet that ended up being used by someone else?
4 thoughts on “Can an electronic device be saved from going into landfill?”
I have a very old MP3 player – about 10 years or so old – and didn’t really know what to do with it. I was at Target yesterday and noticed they have a recycling bin at the front of the store for MP3 players, cellphones, etc. (and printer cartridges and a few other things). So maybe I’ll bring it there – I wonder what they do with them?
Dena- Thank you for sharing the news about Target’s new recycling bins, which is great to know as I haven’t been to Target in a while. I was also curious, and I always ask when I find out about recycling bin programs in stores like Target or supermarkets. To answer your question about MP3 players, cellphones, etc, here’s what I found via Target’s website: “Electronic waste is collected by a national vendor who resells them for reuse, refurbishing or recycling. Anything that can’t be reused is scrapped by certified companies that dispose of the materials responsibly.” For more information, check it out at http://hereforgood.target.com/environment/recycling/
I have a very old MP3 player – about 10 years or so old – and didn’t really know what to do with it. I was at Target yesterday and noticed they have a recycling bin at the front of the store for MP3 players, cellphones, etc. (and printer cartridges and a few other things). So maybe I’ll bring it there – I wonder what they do with them?
Dena- Thank you for sharing the news about Target’s new recycling bins, which is great to know as I haven’t been to Target in a while. I was also curious, and I always ask when I find out about recycling bin programs in stores like Target or supermarkets. To answer your question about MP3 players, cellphones, etc, here’s what I found via Target’s website: “Electronic waste is collected by a national vendor who resells them for reuse, refurbishing or recycling. Anything that can’t be reused is scrapped by certified companies that dispose of the materials responsibly.” For more information, check it out at http://hereforgood.target.com/environment/recycling/
Best Buy also has an electronics recycling program, including computers: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/null/Recycling-Electronics/pcmcat149900050025.c?id=pcmcat149900050025
Sam- Thanks for sharing this which is also great to know. In addition, Best Buy also has a trade-in program if an individual is looking for an upgrade in a computer or ipod etc, which is a nice way to get rid of unused electronics. More info can be found at http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Electronics+Promotions/Online-Trade-In/pcmcat133600050011.c?id=pcmcat133600050011
If curious on Best Buy’s recycling program check it out at http://www.bby.com/category/sustainability/recycling/