Tech Hub: Reducing E-Waste

Smartphones, laptops, tablets, wearables, and other home electronics have an environmental impact, both in their manufacture and in their disposal.  Luckily, there are several easy ways to reduce your contribution to e-waste, by avoiding adding to the waste stream and by recycling responsibly. 

Retain

You can reduce your personal environmental footprint and prevent unnecessary e-waste if  you retain your current technology and delay its replacement. Many devices are replaced not because they are no longer functional, but because newer models offer incremental improvements.

Most smartphones and laptops can remain useful well beyond their typical upgrade timelines with good maintenance and software updates.  However, if your device is no longer able to receive security updates it is 100% time to recycle it!

Repair

Repairing your tech rather than tossing it in some landfill is another smart move.  Cracked screens, degraded batteries, or malfunctioning ports can often be fixed at a fraction of a new device. For instance, replacing a battery (properly) can restore performance to a phone or laptop that might have appeared to be obsolete. As right‑to‑repair policies (which allow you or someone else to fix your device rather than send it back to the company) expand and repair services become more accessible, you have more opportunities to extend the lifespan of your devices.

Buy Refurbished

Refurbished devices stay out of landfills and offer good value; they are usually inspected, repaired if necessary, and resold with warranties.  Purchasing refurbished smartphones, laptops, and tablets keeps usable equipment in circulation and reduces the amount of electronics entering the waste stream., while offering a reliable and comparable product at a lower cost.

Recycle Responsibly

When replacement is unavoidable, responsible recycling is a must. Electronic devices contain hazardous substances like copper, aluminum, and lead that should not enter landfills. Many major electronics retailers like Best Buy, Staples, or Apple – and many cellphone companies – operate recycling and trade-in programs that accept old devices regardless of where they were purchased. These programs help ensure that materials are recovered safely and that toxic components are handled according to environmental regulations.

Did you know your smartphone can help you enjoy the great outdoors in some surprising ways? Join us April 23 for an informative Zoom talk on Outdoor Adventure apps.  Learn more here.

A Special Note About Lithium Batteries

Special care is required when handling lithium‑ion batteries (these are the types of batters found in today’s phones, tablets, laptops, power banks, etc), which power most modern consumer electronics. These batteries are energy‑dense and efficient, but they can pose safety risks if damaged, improperly charged, or disposed of incorrectly. Lithium‑ion batteries should never be thrown in household trash or standard recycling bins. When punctured, crushed, or exposed to high heat, they can ignite or explode, creating fire hazards in homes, garbage trucks, and recycling facilities.

Safety at Home

Safe use of lithium‑ion batteries begins with proper charging practices at home. Devices should only be charged using manufacturer‑approved chargers and cables, and batteries should not be left charging unattended. Watch out for:

-swollen, bulging or warped batteries

-excessive heat during charging

-unusual odors or noise (hissing or popping).

If a battery is swelling or smoking, stop using it immediately, put it in a non-flammable container and take it to a recycling center.

Disposal

When disposing of a lithium‑ion battery or a device containing one, use designated battery recycling programs. Many retailers, municipal recycling centers, and community hazardous waste programs accept lithium‑ion batteries for safe processing. Before recycling, devices should be wiped clean of any personal or important information, and powered down, with removable batteries placed in accordance with local guidance.

Thoughtful technology choices like these can significantly reduce electronic waste while reducing environmental risks and can even save you money in the long run. Together we can play a meaningful role in supporting more sustainable and responsible use of consumer technology.

For more tips and information on where to donate, sell or refurbish your devices, check here.

YOUR TURN

What are your green technology tips? Do you ever trade in or sell your old technology as a way to recycling it? We want to hear from you!

 

Jeff Rose is the Director of Special Initiatives at Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP. He has been at the forefront of the intersection between aging and technology for more than 15 years in a range of settings, including life-plan communities, community-based organizations, and an age-tech startup. Based in Chicago, Jeff is active in a variety of local aging and community organizations and enjoys sharing his knowledge about how technology can impact and benefit older adults.

 

 

The content on the Senior Planet website is intended strictly for general informational purposes and does not constitute an endorsement or warranty regarding privacy, security, permissions, or changes in terms of service. Please scrutinize each app’s or device’s privacy policy, terms of use, data collection or other permissions before downloading or using the app or the device.