Inside your average laptop there are many chemicals such as polyvinyl chloride plastic (PVC), brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and lead. Exposure to these chemicals can cause many health issues such as reproductive problems, central nervous system damage, cancer and many other ailments and sicknesses. When you throw your electronic devices in the garbage they end up in a landfill which is the perfect environment for these chemicals to leak into the ground and get into the water you drink.
The environment also takes a hit when it is exposed to these chemicals. They can kill plants, animals and ruin a beautiful ecosystem that relies on each part to function properly.
Where to recycle properly
In the US and Canada there are many local companies, programs and centres that will take your broken/old/unwanted electronics for free and some may even give you money for your electronics if they are newer models. These companies are very prominent these days so a quick look in your yellow pages and you should be able to find somewhere to recycle them properly.
Many provinces and states have government programs that offer these services and there may be a drop off location closer than you think.
Beyond recycling
Don't get me wrong, recycling is important, but wouldn't it be more environmentally friendly and save energy if we were to reuse and/or reduce our electronics? Most definitely.
If you find yourself needing a new phone or laptop maybe think about buying a used one from your local classifieds or other used electronics dealers online or offline. You can usually find devices that are in new condition and work great but are cheaper because the package has been opened. Some of these devices may even still have warranties or a warranty may even be provided by the dealer.
On the other hand if you're trying to get rid of your old phone or laptop think about reselling it, giving it to a friend or family member or donating it to a charity that will put it to good use. As mentioned before there are also many companies that will give you money for your electronics. These actions will keep your device in use and save the energy it would have taken to recycle it. Plus it will give someone the opportunity to buy a cheaper used device instead of a new one.
Doing these small things can have more of an impact than you think. If you follow these guidelines you will be sure to make a difference on the environment and feel good about it at the same time.
To find out what your broken or unwanted electronics may be worth go to http://www.bytebuyers.com/starthere
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