What to do with your old electronic junk Dumping it in the trash is not an option KTRK By Mike McGuff (01/01/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) - Now that 2007 is here, it's time to figure out how to use all of the new electronic gifts you received. Where to dipose of it Electronic recycling - Houston Electronic Scrap Recycling - More Computer Recycling - Houston Freecycle Phone recycling Verizon Wireless HopeLine c/o ReCellular Inc. 2555 Bishop Circle W. Dexter, MI 48130 www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline Erasing data - PC World Toner Cartridge & Cell Phone Recycling - PetSmart Charities You might have a new computer sitting on your desk or a new flat screen on your living room wall, but whatever shiny new gizmos you have, you now must get rid of the old versions. That VCR you have sitting in the closet probably doesn't really do you much good at this point. So instead of dumping the junk to the curb, experts say make sure to recycle it. "Many electronics contain hazardous substances which can damage the earth, especially drinking water. Also there are numerous state and Federal laws which prohibit the disposal of electronics without recycling and the consequence being heavy fines," said Richard Atanus, Vice President of Engineering, Technical and Environmental Services for NEC Display Solutions. Atanus says recycling doesn't necessarily mean the product goes to a landfill. Many times electronics are used for parts and materials for other refurbished products. In some cases, these older, working products are passed along to other consumers who can reuse them. The recycling isn't limited to just the electronic hardware, experts say cords and the plastics that make up the devices can be reused too. The city of Houston accepts monitors, televisions, printers, keyboards, mice, scanners, fax machines, telephone handsets, VCRs, CPUs, cellular phones without batteries and other small consumer electronics at several locations around town. Schools and charities will sometime accept old computers, but not every group will want your old Windows 98 clunker at this point. "This may be true for many U.S. based charities, but this does not always hold true for charities located outside the United States. Many organizations in other countries find older computers a great benefit and greatly appreciate the donation," said Atanus. Before you donate your computer, you'll probably want to erase your hard drive to protect your personal information. There are several programs out there that can help you do that, but the most effect measure is to remove the hard drive and smash it with a hammer. The charities will still like a computer, even if they have to buy a new hard drive. Cell phones are another device you might want to get rid of. Instead of dumping your handset into the trash, you can donate it to causes like the Verizon Wireless HopeLine. This program collects phones and accessories, regardless of condition, from any wireless service provider. It then recycles or refurbishes and resells the phones. Proceeds go to benefit victims of domestic violence and other causes. If you want to make some cash, there are sites all over the Internet offering to buy mobile phones from you. Just be careful where you surf to sell. If Santa brought a Nintendo Wii or Sony PlayStation 3, then you might want to sell the old console. That PS2 or Xbox can sell on eBay or at a Houston pawn shop. Experts say having the original box and instructions helps the resell value. Check out the above box for recycling options. If you know of others, send us an email and we'll add it. (Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV) - Submit a tech story tip or cool website - Technology Index
The recycling center on the Westpark Tollway/59 frontage road by Chimney Rock will recycle it. That is a great recycling center. You just drive through it and people come and take your stuff for you.
When I was younger I used to just put my old computers outside my driveway where the trash is at.. but luckily some computer nerds came up to me and asked if they can have it. Then they asked for some more stuff and I felt bad so I gave them all of it anyways..
