Ways to Cash in on Your E-Waste

e-waste management When it comes to e-waste management, a common faux pas that many people make is they throw their old electronic gadgets into the garbage in order to make room for the newest tech on the market.

However, such a wasteful approach will end up harming the environment, as many electronics contain harmful chemicals, metals, and materials that are toxic and damaging to the environment.

In addition, when looking at the matter from a financial perspective, you are literally throwing money away every time you throw out an old gadget – especially if it still works and is in good condition.

Here, we will discuss some of the ways that you can optimize your e-waste management and make money while you’re at it.

Trade Them

Many retailers on the market will be more than happy to offer you some money for your obsolete gadgets. For instance, Amazon will provide you with cash in exchange for your outdated Kindle and will do the same for several other similar items.

Target also offers a similar program, whereby they will offer their clients Target gift cards in exchange for their antiquated video games, consoles, tablets, laptops, and phones.

In addition, Best Buy currently offers a trade-up program whereby customers can trade-in their old electronics in order to receive gift cards that can be put towards their trade-up; customers can do so via snail mail or by visiting a local Best Buy in person.

Even Apple has decided to join in as they currently offer a recycling program where customers can send their old Apple electronics to the company. They will receive an Apple gift card in exchange for their efforts, provided they are still in decent working condition.

Even Gamestop has decided to help promote environmental sustainability. They accept old video game consoles and games, as well as old tablets and smartphones. Gamers will then receive a quote that can be put towards a new video game console or game at the store. Or, gamers can transfer the money onto a gift card or simply accept cash in exchange for their e-waste.

Sell it Yourself

If your gadget is still in good condition, then you can sell the gadget yourself and get money in return for your efforts. For instance, millions of people sell their old electronics on auction websites such as eBay, while others prefer to sell on Amazon.

Prefer to avoid selling and shipping fees, and the inconvenience of packaging and labelling old electronics? Sell locally in-person via websites like Craigslist or Kijiji, which allow people to post and sell their gadgets free of charge.

You can try posting ads on Amazon, eBay, Craigslist, or Kijiji all at once, and simply sell your items to whichever website or buyer provides you with the most lucrative offer.

Remember that many seemingly worthless electronics can still have some value, as there are collectors who seek out very old electronics because of their rarity or rare parts.

As for deciding on how much to sell your items for, their value will depend on their make, model, age, condition, and market demand. This means you may want to check completed listings for similar gadgets to better gauge their present market value.

Use a Direct-Purchase Electronics Website

If your top priority is to have a hassle and risk-free experience instead of trying to get top dollar for your e-waste, then your best option may be to go with a direct-purchase electronics website that specializes in pre-owned gadgets.

For example, you can start with Flipsy, which is a trade-in compare and contrast web portal that will tell you where to go to get the most money for your old electronics.

Many other companies, including Amazon, Decluttr, and Gazelle offer buy-back programs for electronics and are considered to be very reputable and trustworthy options. Once they have received your item, they will perform a thorough and honest appraisal of its worth and then send you the amount afterward.

Donate Old Gadgets to a Good Cause

Unbeknownst to many people, shelters for people who are victims of domestic violence will often use donated phones to keep victims safe from subsequent attacks. Yet another option is to donate your old tablets, consoles, smartphones, laptops, desktops, televisions, radios, and DVD players to a non-profit organization in the community.

Many churches and schools also require donations in order to stay afloat and support the community, so you can give your old electronics new life by allowing the less fortunate to enjoy them for the first time.

Recycle Broken Electronics

Did you know that most electronics retailers in the country offer recycling services gratis for e-waste that cannot be salvaged for parts or disposed of via a landfill?

In fact, many offer drop-off boxes or kiosks, such as Best Buy, whereby people can simply drop off their defective or broken cables, cords, toner and ink cartridges, wires, and batteries.

As for old laptops, tablets, and phones, you can drop them off at the customer service desk where they will be disposed of in a safe, efficient, and ethical manner. Furthermore, if you do not wish to work with Best Buy, you have many other options available.

Earth 911 is yet another popular option, as the website allows users to punch in their postal or zip code as well as the item that they wish to recycle, and the site will provide the closest recycling options in their community.

If you would like to learn more about e-waste management and how you can earn cash in by selling, recycling, or trading in your e-waste, call eCycle at 888-945-2611 or contact us here.