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This is a collaborative post.
Ever wanted to do tech decluttering at home but don’t know where to begin?
If you have lots of old gadgets, electronics and appliances that you want to get rid of responsibly, here’s what you can do.
Step One – Gadget Gathering
De-cluttering shouldn’t take more than an hour, and it’s easy and rewarding at the same time.
Gather up all of you and your family’s unused gadgets, including ones in the garage, the shed and attic. Sort them out in two piles – the ones you want to keep and the ones you’re ready to dispose. Along the way, pair up the cables and chargers with their respective items and put the wires that don’t have parent gadgets into a separate box.
Here’s a streamlined process on how you can sort according to common categories:
CDs and DVDs
Keep CDs and DVDs that have personal content, such as photo albums and videos of family gatherings and occasions. PC game or hardware installers can be disposed since most manufacturers will have the software available to download online. Keep movie DVDs if it has sentimental value or sell them if they’re rare collector’s items.
Laptops and Cell Phones
You will want to test each gadget you come across and see if it still works. Plug the phone into its charger, then hold the power button and see if it lights up. Test for functionality, e.g., can it still make calls, text or download apps? Do the same for laptops and desktop PCs.
Cables
Working cables should be paired up with their corresponding gadgets. You’ll find a few mystery wires and adapters along the way- in this case, put them all in a box and leave it in a drawer for a few months. Revisit it and if you haven’t used any of them, then it’s safe to say they can be disposed.
Miscellaneous
For CRT monitors, old TVs, fax machines, printers and power tools, here’s what you can do. Reset to factory settings (if applicable), remove the batteries and have your local recycling center pick them up for proper disposal.
What’s Next?
By now you should have two piles for your old tech, labeled “keep” and “dispose”.
For the items you’d want to dispose, don’t just throw them in the bin. You can contribute to a more sustainable future by choosing any of the solution listed below.
Take It To The Manufacturer
Do you have a branded tech? Then that’s good news. Manufacturers such as HP, Apple, Motorola, Samsung and Lenovo will have a program where consumers can take their old gadgets or appliances and have it exchanged for store credits, gift cards or cash.
These recycling and buyback programmes contribute to a greener society and are mandated by the government to do so. If in doubt, call the manufacturer and ask where you can take your old item to have it recycled properly.
Sell Your Old Gadgets For Cash
For unwanted items that still work, you can get a return on investment by selling them for cash. You can easily sell your old gadgets on the internet safely and securely by using the most popular marketplaces. Sites such as eBay, Facebook and Amazon allow for listing of old phones and other tech, including tablets, laptops and game consoles.
Selling your gadget online will take a bit of work. First, you will need a high-quality photo so interested individuals will have an idea of what they’re buying. Include a helpful description and an honest evaluation of your item. Finally, set a price that you think is reasonable and wait for the offers to come in.
For those who want to get cash quick, online tech recyclers can take it off your hands for a reasonable quote. Fill up the online form and send your gadget in- after a few days you’ll have money to spend on food, clothes or utilities.
Donate To A Charity or Non-Profit
Giving back to the community is one way to ensure your tech gets a new lease in life. Organisations such as schools, hospitals and rescue centers can use your old cellphone, laptop or computer for their daily operations. Gather them up and include the wires and chargers so they’ll be able to use it for a long time.
Decluttering is one way to ensure your house isn’t stacked with old items. This also paves the way for your newer gadgets and make for a neater living space in the end.