In my last post, I discussed reuse or recycle for old cell phones.  This post discusses other types of electronic devices, such as cameras, television sets, laptops, and computers.  The first step is removing personal information, preferably with a factory reset.  If these devices are still usable, you can sell them or donate them to a program that provides them to people or organizations that need them.  Many of these items contain valuable metals or other materials that can be reclaimed for reuse if the devices are recycled.  If you plan to recycle electronic devices, choose a recycler that will responsibly manage the process and materials.  In the US, the EPA has a program to certify recycling companies that is discussed here. https://www.epa.gov/smm-electronics/certified-electronics-recyclers#01  If you don’t live in the US and your country or community doesn’t have a similar program, this link can still provide some criteria to evaluate a potential recycler.

The link below has a lot of good information on environmentally safe disposition of old electronic devices.  The links within the article lead to even more good information.  The information is oriented to the US, but many countries or communities will have similar programs. 
​
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/recycling-electronics-what-to-do-with-your-old-laptops-phones-cameras-and-batteries

If you have an old cell phone hanging around, don’t throw it in the trash.  Most electronics contain toxic materials that can harm the environment if disposed improperly.  Reuse allows your old phone to give more years of service to offset the resources used and the environmental manufacturing cost.  Recycling can return metals and other materials to the manufacturing arena so they are not lost to the landfill.  There are many options for disposal of old cell phones.  Be sure to properly remove your personal data, preferably with a factory reset, before you dispose of your old cell phone.   Remove the SIM card if it’s still in the phone.  Consult a source that you trust when looking for locations to donate or recycle your old cell phone. 

• Many of us return our cell phone to our cell service provider at the same time we purchase the new one.  The cell service provider may refurbish and resell it, or may recycle it, depending on its age and condition. 
• Many locations will accept cell phones for recycling.  In the US, some large chain retailers will accept them for recycling.  In addition, websites such as https://earth911.com/ and  https://www.call2recycle.org/ provide guidance on where to recycle cell phones and many other items.
• If it is new enough, you may decide to sell your old phone.  Here’s an article with ideas and information. 

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/sell-my-phone-for-cash-tips-to-maximize-your-profit/

• Many organizations will accept phones that are still in good condition and provide them to seniors and domestic violence shelters.  Be sure to include the charger when you donate your phone. 

The article below has good information on recycling a variety of old electronics.  In future posts, I will discuss other types of electronics, but here’s the entire article in case I don’t get to your topic of interest fast enough. 
​
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/recycling-electronics-what-to-do-with-your-old-laptops-phones-cameras-and-batteries

A few days ago, a message popped up on my cell phone about an app that I typically leave open even when I am not actively using it.  The message told me that the app was using a lot of battery power in the background.  My phone battery had been running down more quickly and this idle app was a big part of the problem.  I now close apps when I am not using them.  It’s not hard to reopen them, and most apps preserve information when the app is closed.  Closing the apps is a small way to save energy, because I am not charging my cell phone as often.  I found an area in the settings for the phone that provides information on battery use that helps me find other settings that might cause my cell phone to use more energy than necessary.