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Technology is a vital part of our daily lives. It helps us stay connected, productive, and entertained. However, technology is also ever-evolving. 

Technological advances are making devices that were popular six months ago old news. From the latest iPhone to the most recent game consoles, we are always upgrading our devices to keep up with the changes.

But what’s happening to all our discarded electronics?

Most of them end up in landfill. In fact, according to research carried out by Material Focus, half a billion electrical items end up in UK landfills every single year. That’s a huge amount of waste and the end result is that it’s polluting our environment and causing damage to our ecosystems. 

In this article, we talk about electronic recycling and what to do with your old devices.

The Importance of Green Recycling

Recycling your electronics properly is vital to avoid continued environmental pollution caused by e-waste. However, IT recycling isn’t as well-known as most other types of recycling. Despite the fact most people have multiple mobile phones, remote controls, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers in their homes, as a society we haven’t figured out how to recycle these items productively. Just like you would dispose of an old refrigerator, it’s important to dispose of your old electronics correctly.

Speaking to The Guardian, Scott Butler shared: “we want to get the message across that anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled and there’s somewhere near you to do it. The scale of the issue is huge, but there’s an easy solution – just as the trend for recycling and repurposing fashion has grown and grown, we want to encourage the nation to recycle fast tech, guilt-free and fuss-free.”

How to Recycle Electronic Waste

So, how do you recycle your old electronics? Below we share some of our top tips for proper electronic waste disposal.

Prep Your Devices for Recycling

You should never just switch off your old electronics and throw them away. You risk losing important data and sharing your information with other people. Data destruction is vital. It ensures your old devices are wiped of all personal information before they are thrown away. This protects your data and keeps your personal information personal. 

Locate Your Recycling Centre

Do you know where your nearest recycling centre is located? This is an important first step. Many local councils provide electronic recycling and drop-off points at these centres. This makes electronic recycling more convenient than ever before.

Purchase Sensibly

When buying new electronics, consider buying from manufacturers who prioritise sustainable practices – from material sourcing to product delivery. This helps support thoughtful companies making an effort to protect the environment.

Ask About Take-back Schemes

Did you know that many companies now offer take-back schemes? This means that when you buy an item you can return it for recycling when purchasing something new. Some companies even offer remuneration and might give you a gift voucher or money off your next purchase in return. 

Take-back schemes are a great way to recycle your old electronics sensibly. They ensure your unwanted devices can either be used again or recycled properly. 

Explore E-waste Collection Services

Many recycling services offer e-waste collections. This means they collect your old electronics directly from your doorstep. This makes it easier than ever for individuals and businesses to dispose of their electronics responsibly. 

Final Words

We hope this article has inspired you to make a change and dispose of your electronics correctly. Hopefully we have offered some good ideas and useful recycling tips.

For more information about e-waste and electrical recycling, visit our blog. We have articles covering everything you need to know.