PORTLAND, Maine — Technology changes quickly, and as we acquire new devices, we’re left with the challenge of what to do with the old ones. Tossing them in the trash is a terrible idea. However, you may need some guidance on how to responsibly dispose of your unwanted devices.
Rich Brooks, 207's tech guy, of Flyte New Media joined us with some excellent suggestions.
Here are the talking points he provided.
207: What should people do first when they’re ready to part with old tech?
Rich: The first step is to make sure your personal data is removed. For phones, tablets, and laptops, perform a factory reset. Don’t forget to remove SIM cards and external storage, like SD cards. For computers, you may want to use a data-wiping program to ensure your information can’t be recovered.
207: Once their data is safe, what are some options for people to sell their old devices?
Rich: If you think there's value in the tech you're recycling, you can sell old tech on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. There are also dedicated sites like Gazelle or Decluttr.
If you aren't sure what to ask for, you can usually get a sense of what a product is worth just by searching for the same product on those platforms.
207: What about donating old tech? Are there organizations that take used devices?
Rich: Absolutely. Local nonprofits, schools, or organizations like Goodwill often accept donations, as long as the tech is still working. There are also national programs, like Computers with Causes, that refurbish old devices and give them to people in need.
207: Can older devices still be useful at home instead of getting rid of them?
Rich: Yes! An old smartphone can become a dedicated music player, a baby monitor, or even a security camera with the right app.
You can turn a tablet into a digital photo frame or kitchen recipe screen. And you can find instructions online to turn a computer into a media center, a server, or even a fish tank.
207: If there's no value in the tech or it doesn't work, can you recycle the device?
Rich: Many towns in Maine have e-waste recycling programs. Retailers like Best Buy and Staples also accept electronics for recycling. Just make sure to check if there’s a fee for larger items like TVs.
Recycling is great because it helps keep hazardous materials like lead and mercury out of the environment. There's a lot of toxic materials in technology that can leak into a landfill if you just throw it in the trash.
207: Any final advice for our viewers who might be inspired to clean out their tech drawer or closet after watching this?
Rich: Take it one device at a time. Start with anything that's clearly broken or obsolete. Make a pile for selling, for donation, for recycling, and keep a box of spare chargers and accessories you might need later.