What to Do with Old Electronics
If you’re like the average person, you LOVE your latest and greatest electronic device- until the newer, latest and greatest version comes out. And even if you hold strong and try to refuse to get the newest model, it seems like phone and computer companies try to force you into purchasing it by slowing down your current service or program speed.
So, when you give in and get the newer model, what do you do with the old one? Well, that’s up to you. There are a few options for getting rid of electronics, and we’ll cover all of them in this post. Regardless of which option you choose, never throw them out. The chemicals inside of electronics can be extremely hazardous to the environment. Besides, with these four other great choices, that shouldn’t even be an option.
1. Donating Electronics
There are many awesome electronic donation programs out there that are only a quick Google search away. When you consider that donating old electronics can help veterans, the military overseas, and sick children in the hospital, leaving them in your drawer to collect dust just seems silly. Before donating your electronics, be sure to clear them of any personal information.
2. Sell Old Electronics
There are many websites out there dedicated to helping you sell unwanted things. This is not only a smart way to get rid of some unneeded items, it can also help you to make a quick buck. Just like when you donate old electronics, make sure to clear them of any personal information before they get passed to someone else’s hands.
3. Electronics Recycling Programs
Many stores offer programs that allow you to recycle your old electronics. As the mass use of electronics have heightened in recent years, so have efforts to increase recycling initiatives. Recycling electronics that no longer work allows that piece to be broken down to make new ones. As another incentive to recycle them, many electronics’ recycling programs also offer a free program to erase the data on them.
4. Store Old Electronics
If you aren’t ready to part with your electronics quite yet, consider storing them. Whether you are holding onto them for sentimental reasons, because of their value, or just in case they’re needed one day, storing them in a storage unit will help keep them safe for future use. Before you store your electronics, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Store All Electronics in the Original Packaging: The original packaging will best protect your electronics from damage. This packaging was made specifically to hold the device and it will offer support where it is needed.
- Check the Owner’s Manual: Different electronics will require different care. When in doubt, consulting the owner’s manual will allow you to provide the best storage care for that brand and type of device.
- Take a Picture of the Electronic Hookup: Once your electronics are disconnected, it can be hard to remember how to reconnect them again. By taking a picture of the back of the electronics, you will have a fallback even if you can’t remember how to reconnect them later.
- Store All Electronics in a Safe Location: It is important to be cautious of the location you choose to store electronics. If they become exposed to moisture or fluctuations in temperature, they can become damaged. When storing your electronics in a storage unit, choose a climate controlled storage unit.
Are You Looking for a Place to Store Your Electronics?
National Storage have a variety of sizes of both drive up and climate controlled storage units, perfect for the storage of electronics. Either contact us or stop by one of our storage facilities in Michigan in Ohio to talk to our professional staff about any of your electronic storage needs.