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Did you know that there are well over a 100 million mobile phones not being used right now, but just kept away all because of a minor glitch or error in either the exterior or the software? Studies say that people rush to buy new phones as soon as there’s a small crack or scratch on the panel of their phones and then just store them away, never to be used again.

It has been estimated that over 2.2 million tons of used and old electronic items have filled up landfills. Once the chemicals of these electronic items leech into the soil, it can be rendered infertile and more importantly, poisonous, for decades to come. Why then, are we so passive in addressing this very important issue of recycling electronics? We believe we must all get together and do something collectively about this, and have collected some tips from experts on how to reduce e-waste and contribute to a greener planet.

Tip 1: Recognize that every electronic item you purchase contributes that much more to your carbon footprint. Before you think of buying the new phone with snazzy features or the latest digital camera that provides twice the zoom, think – do you really need it? And yes, if you do, how can you recycle the old one?

Tip 2: Before you think of what the resale value of a used electronic item could be, think of this – between the time of your buying the product to the time of wanting a new one with more features, the older electronic item would mostly have become obsolete, in the sense that, there’d be competitors offering the same features at lesser costs. So the buyback or resale value of your old phone or camera or computer is very, very negligible. You’d be lucky if you could 1/10th of what you bought it for originally. If this is the scenario, then what can you really do? Get in touch with a local body or community that works on eco-friendly projects like e-cycling, recycling and free-cycling. There are a lot of people, schools or NGOs that can use your old electronic goods. Consider donating to these outfits, and if you’re so inclined, round up a bunch of like minded individuals and start a movement wherein you collect old electronic items and donate to a cause.

Tip 3: Electronics’ manufacturing companies themselves offer recycling opportunities. In return for old goods, you get a percentage discount of the value of the new product you wish to buy. And since they’re manufacturers themselves, they’ll be able to reuse parts of your phone and also dispose of those parts that they can’t use in an eco-friendly way.

Tip 4: Here are some well-known organizations in the US that are actively involved in recycling of electronics. If for any reason they’re unable to help you out personally, they’ll definitely be able to provide you with information on such activities and communities in your locality.

• Environmental Protection Agency
• Green Citizen
• Federal Electronics Challenge
• ecyclingtools.com
• mygreenelectronics
• Cell Phones For Soldiers

Remember, all it takes to make this world a greener place is some consideration for the environment and the next generation. And you can go green, the e-way too. Happy recycling!

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