I knew I would have to get to electronics sooner or later. First, I surveyed our house for things that ran on electricity or batteries that we were not currently using. We have two unused TVs (a 33” monster and a 13” black and white). Since the 33” is being stored for one of our kids, I’m only free to give away the 13” one – gladly. I’m even throwing in the digital converter box. That’s the easy part.
Next I needed consultation from our local son to find out what cords and gadgets were worth keeping and what weren’t. We have two color printers that I think work. (I hook one up maybe once a year when I have to print brochures in color.) I’ll give one away. I also found 4 cell phones, 2 computer keyboards, 1 zip drive, 1 Linksys router, 1 laptop battery, 1 minolta (non-digital) camera, 1 PDA (Palm Pilot), a Play Station, several “mice,” and lots of cords. But how to dispose of all these things since I wasn’t sure what worked or how to work many of them? I also wanted to be a conscientious recycler and not add toxic elements to a land fill.
I was delighted to read a timely article in the January 6, 2011 NY Times, Giving Those Old Gadgets A Proper Green Burial. The article recommends Gazelle as an electronics recycler that will even give you money for some electronics and responsibly recycle the rest. Best Buy also takes electronics for recycling. I tried the online Gazelle route first since it seemed easy and I might make some money I could then give away. Apparently all our “gadgets” are too historic for Gazelle. The most I could get for the lot was $2. The rest just qualified for recycling. Best Buy, here I come.
