OPTED Magazine

Part of the decluttering process will leave you with items to get rid of that contain materials that can be responsibly recycled in an environmentally friendly way.   Only 12.5% of American electronics are recycled each year and you should help increase that number. Many home electronics contain harmful toxins that can disperse through ground water and air pollution and poison surrounding communities.

Electronics also cost you significant money over time.  After spending so much money on electronics, it may feel like you’re throwing away money unless you hold on to your purchases.  But you can address that guilt, declutter and earn some cash for recycling at the same time.

Here are five places you can get paid to recycle electronics:

BuyMyTronics.com — they purchase used and broken electronics ranging from iPhone and iPod products to laptops and game consoles.  Fill out a form describing your item, and you’ll get an instant price quote.  Payment posts to your PayPal account within 24-48 hours of when they receive your shipment.  And your items are kept out of a landfill.

CellForCash — this site is fantastic.  The site has a very transparent disclosure policy for which cell phone models receive a cash payout (and what the amount is) and which ones don’t (that they recycle for free).  I was able to easily research the cell phones I have laying around and figure out exactly how much I’d receive.  The site lists over 500 models and there is no limit to the amount of phones they accept.  You phone can also be donated to 911 programs that provide cell phones to households that can’t afford them but need one for an emergency.

Gazelle – they have a long list of gadgets that they buy and recycle or format for reuse, similar to the other sites listed here.  They have an impressive list of testimonials from national media coverage and a fund gadget on their site publicizing price quotes given to others for different products.  They also pay for shipping AND send you a box for your items.  You can also learn more about using the money you make to fund a good cause.

MyBoneyard.com — they recycle and buy from you a wide range of electronics, and best of all the shipping is free when you print out a shipping label provided by them.  If anything can be fixed and resold, it is, and the remaining items are disassembled with as many of the parts being recycled as possible.  Many items are donated to shelters or schools as well.

GreenPhone.com — this site collects and pays you money for used cell phones and PDAs.  You send the item with any related cables and accessories, they test it, and if it still works they send you a payment.  Even if your cell phone doesn’t work or pass their tests, it’s recycled and kept out of a landfill.  And for each cell phone they buy, a tree is planted!

For larger electronics, like televisions and appliances, consider using Best Buy’s services.  If you purchase a TV and have it delivered by their home delivery service, they remove your old television at no charge.  Or pay a fee to have them remove your television or appliance without having to make a purchase.  Their website describes everything they will and won’t take at a store, if you’re interested in recycling other electronics as well.

A lot of electronics are too large to ship to the sites above.  If this is your situation, check out the Best Buy site, and also check out:

• The E-cycling interactive map to find a local or regional site for electronics recycling near you
• The E-recycle resource for other recyclable materials like batteries and stereos
• Earth911 for a comprehensive recycling and “going green” website

And keep your eyes open for free e-recycling days in your city!

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