What To Do With Outdated Electronic Equipment
We recently got an email from one of our customers:
Dear Mark,
The holidays are over. We love our new 42” TV. The old television, nicknamed, ‘Ole Sparky’ for nearly sending Frank to meet his Maker, is in the shed because we know we aren’t supposed to put it in the trash or recycling bins. I also have an old computer in there, too.
My question is this: what do we do with old electronics? Especially electronics with sensitive data on them.Thanks for your help!
Kindest regards,
*Name Withheld*
Phoenix
We wouldn't recommend doing this, but got a chuckle out of it.
his, but got a chuckle out of it.Here in the Valley, we have many options when it comes to electronics recycling. Unfortunately, a lot of people mistakenly put electronic items in their recycle bin or even in the trash. People want to be green, but sometimes they just don’t know how. So, we’re going to give you some options.
But, before we do that, let's address your electronic security, because you don’t want that old computer slipping from your possession until the memory has been erased. So if you have an old computer, you can go to this website to find out how to wipe the hard drive clean.
Once that’s done, here are a few options for recycling. (There are many others.) Each of these entities have their own rules of what the will accept. The best way to find out what they will and won’t take (and when) is to contact them directly.
Boy Scouts
The Boy Scouts of Troop 446 have an ongoing recycling program in Scottsdale. On the third Sunday of every month from 5:30 am to 10:30 am, they host an ‘Electronicfest’ at the Scottsdale Pavilions (next to Conn’s). You can load up your old laptops, Game-boy's and other electronics, and either pay them a few dollars for a space or table (first come, first served) and be a vendor at the event,
OR, as long as it isn’t one of the old CRT computer monitors or rear projection television sets, you can donate the items to the Scouts. (Please wipe your hard drive first.) Go to their website or call Keith Woods at 602-606-7047
Desert Computer Solutions
Desert Computer Solutions will accept most old electronics, and also has a pick up service. They will destroy the data on your old machines for you. 1605 W. University Dr. Ste. 110 Tempe, AZ 85281 (602)295-5918
Phoenix Electronics and Computer Recycling
Phoenix Electronics and Computer Recycling at 1526 E Washington St.will accept your old electronics, even TV’s (for a small fee).
AzStrut Metro Mall dropoff. Look for the beige bin.
AzStrut
AzStrut, or Arizona Students Recycling Used Technology is a nonprofit organization which collects through all ten Batteries Plus Bulbs locations. If you have more than will fit in the trunk of a car, they have collection sites in Mesa and the west Valley. They refurbish what they can and give them to Valley schools and non-profits. What they can’t use goes to Westech Recyclers.
Westech Recyclers
Another excellent resource in the form of an electronics recycling business right near downtown Phoenix is Westech Recyclers.
The good news is that there are ongoing community collections throughout the Valley,
We are greatly encouraged to see our customers making efforts to recycle and reduce their carbon footprint, even while enjoying the benefits of all the wonderful things our world offers. For other recycling options and options outside the Phoenix area, click here. We hope this list has given you some ideas for recycling those old electronics.
