The e-waste epidemic (Infographic)
You’ve ripped off the wrapping paper, opened the sleek box and plugged in your shiny new device. Merry Christmas to you!
However, what may not have crossed your mind is what to do with that old electronic sitting on the table, no longer of use to you.
I’m sure you have seen signs around grocery stores, malls and mobile kiosks, enticing you to donate or recycle your old electronics for the holidays. Last year’s devices shouldn’t be trashed with Christmas Eve’s leftovers.
‘Tis the season for recycling.
Problem: E-waste represents 2 percent of America’s trash in landfills, but it equals 70 percent of overall toxic waste
Solution: Recycle or donate your cell phones, computers and other electronics. Recycling 1 million laptops saves the energy equivalent to the electricity used by 3,657 U.S. homes in a year.
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Last year’s model tablets, smartphones and laptops are still fairly popular, and can easily be reused. Even in poor condition, electronics refurbishment has given many a gadget a second chance.
While many areas have certified electronics recycling programs readily available to them year-round, consumers do not take advantage.
Why?
Concern for the safety of personal info
Protect yourself.
Sure, recycling may be a no-brainer; but what they don’t tell you is how to protect your personal information when getting rid of old electronics.
Find a reputable, R2-certified recycler that guarantees that all confidential health, financial or other information will be completely erased.
The EPA gives a few more tips on how to secure your personal information before recycling old devices this holiday season.
[Source: EPA]
Related posts
