Recycling old electronics

DAILY DOT COM - Electronics were the hot item once again this holiday shopping season. From the new Xbox to tablet computers, it seems just about everyone wanted some sort of gadget for Christmas.

If Santa replaced your obsolete device, you’ll want to make sure your used electronics are disposed of properly. That doesn't mean shoving it into the garage to collect dust.

These days, it's all about recycling.  Cell phones and re-chargeable batteries contain toxic metals like nickel, cadmium, and lead. If put in landfills, those materials can leak toxins into the ground. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, those materials could ultimately end up in the water we drink or fish we eat.

Some people donate cell phones to soldiers or to charities. Most manufacturers have take-back programs of their own.  Another reason to recycle is that usable phones are often donated to seniors and victims of abuse, just in case they have to call 911.

The EPA estimates some 789 million mobile devices are at the end of their life and ready to be recycled. Pensacola Recycle and Equit-E-Cycle in Mobile offer recycling programs where consumers can just drop-off their unwanted electronics free of charge.

Rechargeable batteries or cell-phones can also be taken to Radio Shack. Best Buy will accept just about any old electronic including; computers, laptops, TVs up to 32-inches, and printers.

Interestingly enough, the EPA said out of all the electronics that are recycled, computers are recycled most.  However, TVs make up the bulk of the e-waste at 60 percent.

City of Mobile recycling information can be found here. Click here for information on how to recycle e-waste in Pensacola.

Information on Radio Shack’s recycling program can be found on it's website.

Click here for information on Equit-E-Cycle and a list of what they will accept.

For general information on e-waste and recycling, visit the Environmental Protection Agency website.