Out with the old, in with the new - a common phrase during the new year. This is easy enough when it comes to old resolutions and items such as clothes and shoes, but harder when it comes to electronics.
The easiest way out is throwing them in the garbage bin, which according to a United Nations University report, is harmful both to the environment and our health. E-waste that end up in landfills, according to the report, amounted to about 92 billion pounds last year.
Below are three environmentally sound options from Mashable on what you could do when you want to do away with your old laptop.
Trade In
Before making a trade in on your old laptop, make sure first to erase all your data, meaning completely wiping out your hard drive. Specific directions are provided via Apple's website here and Microsoft's website here.
- Gazelleis a website that offers buy and sell services on used electronics. To make a trade in at Gazelle, first you have to check whether your item is listed on their website, then provide details about your laptop's condition. Then the website will make you an offer. Shipping is free. Payments are made via PayPal or Amazon.com gift card.
- Staples provide eCash Cards for customers who want to make a trade in of their old electronics either in-store or online. First, the store will ask to inspect your device, then they will provide a quote on the device's worth. Then, they will provide you with an eCash Card that you can use in their stores off-line or online.
- Amazon also offers customers a Trade-In Program where they give you a gift card to exchange for devices like smartphones, laptops, video games, DVDs and the like. They also provide free shipping.
Recycle
- Best Buy's website has a list per state of items that they can recycle or trade in for you. The free service comes with scheduled in-home pickups for big items, and for smaller ones, you have the option of dropping them off at kiosks located near their stores. When you buy a new product, they do pick-ups for free, but if not, they pick up your product for a small fee.
- State options - Some states have electronics recycling programs, and you can find out which program your state is on simply by doing a quick Google search. There could also be recycling events in your area that you can go to.
- Mailback - Available with a lot of brands, this service usually comes for free. You just have to check your laptop brand's website to see if they can recycle your laptop for you.
Dispose
- Salvation Army - If the options above don't suit you, you can always donate your laptop to the Salvation Army, which accepts other electronics as well.
- Goodwill - They accept donations of old laptops and other old electronics like large televisions.
Check out the video below to find out other ways of "disposing" off your old laptop.