E-waste or electronic waste needs to be properly disposed of. The UN defines e-waste as any discarded product with a battery or plug, and features toxic and hazardous substances such as mercury, that can pose severe risk to human and environmental health.
One way to dispose of E-waste is to recycle. This method is good, but I'd like you to consider options for reusing or refurbishing. One way to pursue reusing or refurbishing is by donating your unused electronics to a nonprofit like Computers 2 Kids. They use E-waste to create home computers for families in need.
The world has become increasingly dependent upon technology, and COVID forcing the closure of schools increased the dependency. Without access to a home computer, students are cut off from educational tools.
If you receive a new phone, computer, tablet, etc. for the holidays, consider donating your old one. It's easy to forget the old ones in the drawer, but that unused item could be life-changing to someone without any device. Yes, obtaining a device is only part of the solution because internet access is needed, but all steps in the right direction lead to a better tomorrow. So for today, settle for less E-waste to give someone else the opportunity of technology access.
Not in the San Diego area with access to Computer 2 Kids? Please make the effort to find out who's running similar programs in your area. For example, Goodwill is working to connect computers with people and DigiUnity is a national organization working to eliminate the technology gap. Sharing technology is a win-win-win for the donor, recipient, and the environment.
UPDATE - thank you to Del Mar Times & Zevely Zone for settling for less E-waste
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