WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2020
What Is E-Cycling?
What Is E-Cycling?
Smartphones and tablets have become a part of everyday life. Around the world, people rely on smart devices for communication, information and entertainment. But with the rise in popularity of these devices, manufacturers have begun producing more options to meet the increased demand. People want the latest gadgets, so they forget about their old phones and tablets for the latest and greatest models.
This begs the question: what happens to everyone's rejected electronics? Most people understand the process of recycling their plastic bottles, tin cans and other recyclable waste products. But things aren't as straightforward when it comes to knowing what to do with an old electronic device, such as smartphones. We're here to tell you there's a solution to this modern dilemma: e-cycling.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2020
E-Cycling Defined
Many people choose to use electronics because they have the potential to conserve energy and limit waste. You can use your phone to check your bank statements, pay bills and read the latest headlines in the news without using a single sheet of paper. You can even browse the internet without turning on your computer or watch your favorite show without having to buy a physical copy. These uses can reduce strain on the environment and limit your energy consumption.
But smartphones and tablets can pose their own risk to the environment in the form of electronic waste. E-cycling is a term used to describe the process of recycling electronics. But what is electronic recycling, and how could it help the environment? To better understand the issue, let's take a closer look at the life span of electronics.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2020
The Life Span of Electronics
The Life Spanof Electronics
1. Raw materials
2. Manufacturing and sale
3. Purchase and use
4. Electronic waste
Like other goods on the market, electronics have a life span or life cycle. This means they have a starting point and an eventual end. This end could be when they stop working or when another device comes along and overshadows them. It's at this point that e-cycling becomes crucial. Here's a breakdown of the life span of the average electronic:
- Raw materials: The Earth is home to bountiful raw materials that people use to produce various goods. These goods include electronics. At the start of the electronic life span, companies mine raw materials like copper, silver, gold, iron and others. Then they transport these raw materials for processing and purification so manufacturing companies can use them for their device components. From mining to transportation and purification, this step is taxing on the Earth's natural resources and environment.
- Manufacturing and sale: Once the raw resources have been converted to useable components, manufacturing can begin. In this step, factory workers and advanced assembly line machines create the latest smartphones and tablets. There could also be heavy use of plastics for this step, as many devices incorporate plastic into their internal and external components. Manufacturing uses a lot of energy, and it all leads to the same point — store shelves around the world. Here, people can buy the devices they want at their convenience.
- Purchase and use: Phones and tablets are hot commodity items. This means they fly off the shelves as people choose the latest gadgets to increase their productivity and enjoyment. High demand means companies must produce a supply to meet that demand. This leads to the mining of more raw materials and higher manufacturing rates to create the items needed, which uses more resources.
- Non-use: For some people, this is the final step of the electronic life span. When their phone stops working or a new model comes out, they toss the old one in a drawer, or worse—into the trash.
Ready for some good news? You can make a difference in the electronic life span!
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2020
The Solution: E-Cycling
the solution:
E-cycling is the best way to change the trend of discarded electronics accumulating in landfills.
Here's the good news — electronic waste is not the only way for an electronic's life to end. You can commit to a new end to the electronic life span: e-cycling. E-cycling is the best way to change the trend of discarded electronics accumulating in landfills. And in the process, you could even help reduce the strain on the environment from the other steps in the electronic life span.
The whole point of recycling regular household waste like bottles, cans and cardboard is to limit the number of items in landfills and contribute to environmentally friendly production practices for future items. The same can be true of your electronics. A little effort can lead to astounding results. Electronic recycling is an investment in the health of the world: the Earth has a lot to give, but it's our responsibility to make sure future generations can also enjoy this beautiful planet we call home.
E-cycling your phones and tablets can have a huge positive impact on the environment. Growing up, you may have learned about the three R's of environmental consciousness: reducing waste, reusing resources and recycling your unwanted items. Keep reading to uncover how the same R's can apply to your unwanted electronics.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2020
Why Should I Recycle My Unwanted Electronics?
Why Should I Recycle My Unwanted Electronics?
1. Reduce hazardous waste
2. Conserve resources
2. Protect your personal information
Selling or recycling your unwanted electronics is the best choice for you, the people around you and the Earth itself. Here are three reasons why you should recycle your unwanted electronics:
- Reduce hazardous waste: Electronics contain materials that are safe for use in your phone but are harmful to the environment when thrown out with the regular trash. Things like batteries, lead, plastic, chromium and flame retardants should stay out of landfills. When you recycle your electronics, you're taking a stand against these harmful components seeping into the ground. These items belong in electronics, not in the environment. You can reduce hazardous waste when you choose to recycle your electronics.
- Conserve resources: The Earth has many resources, but those resources are not limitless, and we must be responsible for how we consume them. It's our duty to ensure we use resources at a rate that allows the Earth to replenish itself. This is called sustainability. E-cycling is an act of sustainability that helps future generations enjoy the Earth's resources. Even a little less mining and fewer production factories can have a major effect on how many resources we need per year.
- Protect your personal information: While this reason for recycling electronics lacks any intrinsic impact on the environment, it does affect your personal safety and peace of mind. Today, many people store vast amounts of personal information and data on their smartphones and tablets. Someone can find your device in the trash and uncover this information and even steal your identity. The best way to remove this risk is to delete your personal data and e-cycle your device.
Moving forward, consider buying items second-hand — you'll save money and help reduce the environmental burdens of production.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2020
How Do I Prevent E-Waste?
While it may seem a bit trickier than regular household recycling, there are many easy ways to prevent electronic waste in your daily life.
Thinking about the impact of waste on the environment isn't fun, but it can be inspiring to make a change. If you put your mind and effort into it, you can prevent e-waste in your own life and even in the lives of the people around you. This will make a real and lasting impact on the environment.
The next logical step is learning how to prevent e-waste. While it may seem a bit trickier than regular household recycling, there are many easy ways to prevent electronic waste in your daily life, from active decisions to passive actions. In this section, we'll take a closer look at some steps you can take to reduce your impact on the environment.
What Are Some Steps I Can Take Now to Reduce Electronic Waste?
Less waste means a healthier environment and happier inhabitants on this planet we all call home.
While you may only be one person, your decision to reduce e-waste has a huge impact on the environment. Each small act of conservation adds up toward a better future. Less waste means a healthier environment and happier inhabitants on this planet we all call home.
Here are 10 easy ways you can reduce electronic waste today:
- Use what you have: One of the easiest ways to limit the amount of electronic waste you produce is to use the devices you already have. It's true — companies design their devices so you need an upgrade after several years. Chances are high that you can use your current phone longer than you think, which limits your impact on the environment.
- Take care of your device: Many people contribute to electronic waste because they're careless with their smartphones. Spilling liquid on a phone or dropping it on the ground can result in a shattered screen and damaged components. Invest in a screen protector and an environmentally friendly phone case to protect your phone from damage. This will extend its life span, helping you limit the amount of electronic waste in the world.
- Donate your old devices: Another way to reduce electronic waste is to donate the devices you no longer want. You may have a friend or relative looking for a phone — even one that's a couple of years old. Your old phone or tablet could be exactly what they're looking for. Plus, you can feel good knowing you took a step toward reducing electronic waste. That's one fewer phone in a landfill!
- Repurpose your old electronics: Devices are getting better as the years go by, so even your older models can still be powerful, useful devices. Try using your old phone as a dedicated GPS navigator or music player in your car. Or maybe you want to keep an old tablet on hand to watch internet videos and save battery life on your new device. There are lots of fun and creative ways you can reuse your old devices to enhance your electronics experience.
- Organize your old electronic stash: Many people have an electronics drawer. For some, it can be a tangled mess of cords, old phones and shattered screens. You may have some great devices in there that you could sell or recycle, so spend a little time organizing. Take inventory of your old electronics to find items you could put to use, give away or take to an e-cycling location, such as ecoATM. There may come a time where you need those different charging cords, but keeping your old phones in your drawer doesn't do any good when they could be reused or sold for cash.
- Stay current with your local disposal laws: Each city or town will have its own electronics disposal practices. Always check with your municipality to see where you should drop off your unwanted electronics or dispose of harmful items like batteries. E-cycling is a safe way to make sure you follow your local ordinances while investing in the environment.
- Store your data online: Storage space is limited on electronics. Everyone wants to save all their many pictures, videos and apps. People often think they need a new phone when their current one runs out of space, but there are better and more environmentally friendly options. Online storage using cloud computing technology can keep all your important files in one place without the need for physical storage on your phone. This can help keep your current phone running well, extending its life span and reducing e-waste.
- Buy environmentally friendly electronics: Some electronics are easier on the environment than others. Energy Star products include larger electronics like washing machines and air conditioners, but they are energy efficient and use sustainable components in their construction. It's always good to remember that even larger electronics have a toll on the environment, so you should choose the greener options when you can to limit e-waste.
- Educate yourself on electronics and e-cycling: Another great way to prevent e-waste is to educate yourself on the topic. Knowing the types of materials that make up your electronics can help you understand what measures you should take when you're ready to get rid of them. Staying educated can also keep you up-to-date on the latest trends so you can make sure you're doing all you can when e-cycling. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a great source of information on e-waste and e-cycling.
- Buy and sell used electronics: Like buying used cars, buying a used phone or tablet is a safe and affordable way to get the device you need. In addition to being lighter on your wallet, buying used is better for the environment. We recommend checking out the smartphones and tablets at over at Gazelle, where you can buy certified refurbished devices at a fraction of the original retail price. Likewise, selling your used electronics can meet someone else's need while putting some extra cash in your pocket. When you buy and sell used, everyone wins.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2020
Where Can I Sell Or Recycle Electronics?
Where Can I Recycle Electronics?
When you want to know where to recycle electronics, there's a clear answer — take your old phones and tablets to your local ecoATM kiosk.
When you want to know where to sell or recycle electronics, there's a clear answer — take your old phones and tablets to your local ecoATM kiosk. ecoATM makes the process of selling or recycling your unwanted smartphones easy. But what sets ecoATM apart from your local recycling institution is that there's an incentive: ecoATM kiosks give you cash on the spot when you sell your old smartphones. We accept phones, tablets and MP3 players. It's a fast, easy and safe way to help the environment while getting a little reward in the process.
ecoATM kiosks have convenient locations around the country at over 4,500 locations, including shopping centers, local grocery retailers and more. That means there's likely one near you, ready to take your unwanted smartphone and exchange it for cash. Go green and get green in return by bringing your old smartphone to an ecoATM kiosk. It's the easy and practical e-cycling solution for anyone looking to get rid of an old device.
How Do I Sell My Phone at an ecoATM Kiosk?
What's the Process for Trading in My Phone at an ecoATM Kiosk?
1. Bring your device to the kiosk
2. Let the kiosk price your phone
3. Get cash on the spot
If you want to know what e-cycling your old phone at an ecoATM kiosk is like, then the best way is to experience it for yourself. Start by finding the ecoATM kiosk nearest you. With over 4,500 kiosks in the United States and growing in Europe, it's easy to find one that works for your schedule and travel plans.
Here's ecoATM's simple three-step process for e-cycling - selling or recycling - your used phone or tablet:
- Bring your device to the kiosk: Before arriving to your local kiosk, make sure your device is charged beforehand. You'll also need to bring a state-issued ID. When you arrive at the kiosk, follow the directions on the screen to get the process started. If you decide you want to keep your device during the pricing process before you accept the offer, the kiosk will give it back to you. The process is safe and easy from start to finish.
- Let the kiosk price your phone: In this step, the kiosk will analyze your phone's make, model and condition — inside and out. That way, the kiosk can determine a the best price for your phone if you choose to complete the process. If you want to have a general idea of what you might get for your phone, you can use our online device pricing tool.
- Get cash on the spot: After a few minutes, the kiosk will give you an offer for your used smartphone or tablet. If you accept the offer, the kiosk will give you cash on the spot. No phone is too old or broken to be accepted by an ecoATM kiosk, whether it's for cash or to be properly recycled.
Remember to clear all your personal data from your iPhone or Android smartphone before e-cycling with an ecoATM kiosk. This will ensure your personal data stays private after you part ways.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2020
Visit an ecoATM Kiosk Near You Today to Receive Cash for Your Used Smartphone or Tablet
Find an ecoATMKiosk Near You
When it's time to buy a new smartphone, you can do your part to care for the environment by trading your old device for cash at an ecoATM kiosk.
When it's time to buy a new smartphone, you can do your part to care for the environment by trading your old device for cash at an ecoATM kiosk. At ecoATM, we're committed to reducing e-waste around the world. We know one of the best ways to do this is by recycling old electronics like phones, tablets, mp3 players and more. We make the process easy for you with our convenient locations, and we know the incentive of cash on the spot is a great benefit, too.
Together, we can change the world — one old phone at a time. Our environmental commitment guides our mission, and your participation in e-cycling makes it a reality. Thank you for choosing ecoATM as your partner in making a difference in the world. Find an ecoATM kiosk near you today!