From personal computers to communal TVs, the average household uses dozens of electronic devices. With the rate at which technology advances, these products are in a constant update cycle. But what do you do with an old device when you upgrade? There are eco-friendly options to consider for managing the amount of e-waste from filling up landfills and polluting our planet.

Building Sustainable Electronics

Dealing with e-waste starts at the production stage. In order to be more sustainable, new electronics can be designed using less materials that are recycled and recyclable. Refurbishing a device also helps extend the life of a product and limits waste. There are specific guidelines for manufacturer’s who want to sustainably source, design, and manage materials to reduce cost, waste, and environmental impact while conserving resources and quality.

Customers who support companies that follow sustainable practices send a message to others about how important this process is. How customers continue to maintain and dispose of their electronics is equally important.

Eco-Friendly Options for Managing E-waste

Purchasing a refurbished device or supporting an eco-conscious company is the first step in helping to manage e-waste. But eventually these devices will also need to be properly disposed. Here are some environmentally friendly options:

• Donation centers
• Community drop-off locations
• Retailer recycling
• Manufacturers warranty or take-back program

Once collected, these organizations send electronics to facilities for refurbishing or recycling. Reusable devices are repaired and updated for resale. If the device is not suitable for use, it will be dismantled so valuable materials can be extracted for reuse.

Benefits of Electronics Stewardship

Recycling electronics helps reduce pollution while manufacturing a new product or adding an old one to a landfill. However, the proper production, use, and disposal of electronics benefits more than just the environment. Here are some of the other positives of eco-friendly e-waste practices:

• Create green jobs
• Productive reuse of valuable materials
• Support a sustainable recycling and refurbishing industry
• Strengthen markets for used electronic products
• Prevent health and environmental threats around the world
• Donating allows lower-income areas access to electronics
• Tax incentives for businesses that donate equipment

The idea of using less materials and creating less waste helps limit the negative environmental impact and ensure a more sustainable future. So the next time you’re looking to update an electronic device, keep these eco-friendly options in mind when buying something new and getting rid of something old.