Many Americans have outdated technology in their homes, especially after the holidays when the average consumer planned to spend a record $232 on electronics gifts, according to the Consumer Electronics Association.
The average household now has 25 devices, the group says. And a November report, “Tackling High-Tech Trash,” from Demos, a public policy organization focused on economic fairness and sustainability, cited government data showing that Americans owned three billion electronic products, with a turnover rate of about 400 million units each year.
Yet less than 14 percent of those gadgets are recycled, the report noted.
There are, though, many outlets for consumers to recycle, donate or trade-in goods. The Environmental Protection Agency has a list, and the electronics association provides links with a ZIP code search feature to find corporate recycling programs and programs for donating used goods to charitable organizations. Earth911 offers an iPhone app.
Best Buy has been recycling most consumer electronics in its stores for two years. Consumers can drop off, at no charge, smaller items like CDs/DVDs, rechargeable batteries and cellphones at kiosks at the entrance of its stores.
Read the complete story at The New York Times Personal Tech