Digital devices have become essential to our daily lives and work. However, with the rapid pace of technology, computers, tablets, and phones become outdated quickly. Additionally, most devices are affordable with payment plans to help consumers buy now and pay for it later. That means there are a lot of unwanted and outdated devices that are being tossed aside.

Research has found that Canadians create 20.2 kg of e-waste per capita. Only 14 percent of that gets recycled, which means there is a lot of electronic waste that is lost. But did you know that throwing your e-waste in the trash can be an environmental hazard? Computers, phones, tablets, and other electronics can leak toxic waste into the environment. It presents a risk for wildlife and our water supply.

There is a better way to deal with your e-waste and protect the environment. Here are the steps you can follow to get rid of e-waste properly.

What is e-waste?

E-waste includes all types of electronic items and waste, such as:

• Cell phones
• DVD players
• CD players
• Computers
• Printers
• Headphones
• Cameras
• Televisions
• Routers
• Electrical instruments
• Video game systems
• Electric toys

It can also include any accessories for your devices, like cables and power ports. If you don’t see your item on the list and you’re unsure if it qualifies as e-waste, you can check the Electric Products Recycling Association website.

Benefits of Recycling E-waste

Recycling your e-waste may take a little more effort but it is worth it. You can protect the environment, people’s health and reduce the need for mining.

E-waste can be toxic to the environment. If you dump it in the trash, it will end up in a landfill where it will sit for many years, getting older and rustier. As this happens, chemicals can leak out of the device and into the ground. It’s likely to get mixed in with groundwater which corrupts the supply for plants, trees and animals.

Similarly, these toxic chemicals present a risk to human health too. Someone may come into contact with them either in and around the landfill or as the chemicals make their way through the water supply. It can create a very serious danger which is why Canadians should make an effort to recycle their e-waste.

Another benefit of recycling your old electronics is to help reduce the need for mining. Our popular devices need certain materials that can only be obtained through mining. However, if you recycle your device, the materials from it can be reused. It reduces the need to mine for new materials. You’ll be helping prevent a supply problem.

How to Get Rid of E-waste

There are a number of ways that you can get rid of your unwanted devices and electronics, such as:

• Sell it: Online websites and marketplaces are ideal spaces for you to advertise and sell any unwanted items, including electronics.

• Recycle it: Search for a local recycling centre where you can drop off your used items. Be sure to double-check that they take e-waste before you try to drop it off. Some businesses may take your used electronics for recycling.

• Community recycling: Some communities have local recycling day events where you can bring your e-waste items. Contact your local municipality to find out if there is one scheduled soon for your area.

• Haul it: Professional junk removal companies may come and take your e-waste away for recycling. Junk Works team is able to take nearly everything away, including your old television sets and other e-waste items.

Tips for Your E-waste Disposal

E-waste requires a little extra care before you can dispose of it. Here are some tips on how to handle your electronic waste properly:

• Wipe the memory clean: Whether it’s your phone or computer, you’ll want to clear its memory completely. Doing this protects your information and privacy. Don’t forget to erase all of your photos, videos, documents and files. While simply erasing them is one way to clear the device, there are some extra steps to take to sanitize the machine. Consumer Reports has published a guide that walks you through each step, depending on what you are discarding. Also, be sure to remove any SD or SIM cards before handing over your device.

• Take out the batteries: You’ll need to remove the batteries of your electronic device before you can get rid of it. While batteries can also be recycled, they need to be handled separately from the device. You can talk to a professional junk removal company about where you can drop your batteries off for recycling.

• Make strategic purchases: When it comes to your electronic gadgets, it’s always fun to have the latest one but you should be strategic when buying these devices. Reducing the amount of e-waste in Canada will help protect our environment and our health. Consider carefully if a new device is necessary before you make the purchase.

Recycling Your E-waste

There are some excellent reasons to take care of your e-waste, including protecting our Canadian environment and wildlife. These devices can leak hazardous chemicals and present significant problems. By recycling your unwanted phones, tablets, computers and other electronics, you can also reduce the need for mining materials vital in the creation of these devices. It may take a little extra time or effort but you’ll feel good about your decision.

To make the process even easier, you can simply call Junk Works and have us come and pick it up for you. It helps you save time, effort and the environment. For customers with larger electronics, like office printers or televisions, having a professional junk removal company haul it away is the right decision.

For more information about junk removal and fridge disposal services, call Junk Works at 1-888-888-JUNK (5865) or contact us here.