What to do with your E-Wastes at Home?

WHAT TO DO WITH E-WASTE

The electronic devices we have today are indeed convenient and have placed an influence on our everyday lives. However, we must also consider the effects after we dispose of them to purchase better products and dispose of our old devices.

Old electronics can usually be repaired or restored, but some parts may be hard to acquire and may have to be fetched at a high price. Components such as plastics, glass, and metal found in electronic devices can be reused. However, keep in mind that these devices may also contain toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium. Hence, disposal with caution is advised. The following is a list of what to do with your e-wastes at home and organizations or businesses that accept e-waste donations.

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1. Send it to a Recycler

There are many organizations in Metro Manila, who provide ideas and ways to recycle old electronics. 

HMR Super Surplus Bodega

They are known to be a trusted seller and reseller of mostly unused office electronics, appliances, accessories, and more. They can buy your electronics or its components depending on its condition. They are located at Pioneer Street corner Reliance Street, Mandaluyong City. 

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2. Donate your old/unused electronic devices

Many organizations in metro manila have programs that accept donations for our e-wastes at home.

The E-Waste Project

This project provides numerous information regarding the proper handle of e-wastes commonly found at home. They also provide webinars and informational material to raise awareness and educate people about proper Electronic Waste Management. Don’t forget to like and follow their page as well!

SM EWC

The SM Electronic Waste Collection program started last February 18, 2021. Several participating SM Malls in the Philippines, accept various products such as old laptops, CPU units, cellphones, power banks, and more! Check out their facebook page for more information.

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3. Take it to a Tech Firm

Ongoing projects of large firms in metro manila can also be an option. They provide services to recycle old electronics by dropping them off at any of their locations.

E-Waste Zero

A project from Globe that accepts bulk e-waste donations located in several participating companies and organizations from Luzon to Mindanao. They have a list of all E-Waste Zero Bin Locations here!

Smart x PLDT

The program’s primary innovation is the #SmartPlanet phone recycling bin, which uses electronic sensors to send out Smart e-load in exchange for used phones, chargers, and tablets

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Before disposing of your devices, always make sure to get rid of all personal information to keep your privacy safe. Additional information regarding this may be found here: Remove Personal Data from your Computer.

Access may be limited due to concerns about COVID-19, so please make sure to contact the location of your choice prior to your visit. Also check your brand’s or retailer’s company website for details on its program/s to confirm their schedule on accepting recyclables.

References:

De Leon, N. (2021, March 21). How to wipe a computer clean of personal data. Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/computers/how-to-wipe-a-computer-clean-of-personal-data/.

E-waste zero - globe help & support. Globe. (2019, January 15). https://www.globe.com.ph/help/e-waste-zero.html#gref.

Grauer, Y. (2021, April 19). How to recycle old electronics. Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/recycling/how-to-recycle-electronics/.

Ramos, N. (2019, April 11). 5 Places You Can Send or Donate Your Used Electronics To. Globe. https://www.globe.com.ph/go/technology/article/donate-used-electronics.html#gref.

SM supermalls rolls out SM electronic waste collection program. SM Cares. (2021, February 18). https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/press-releases/sm-supermalls-rolls-out-sm-electronic-waste-collection-program/.

SMART Public Affairs. (2021, June 10). DENR backs PLDT and Smart's e-waste disposal programs. Smart communications, Inc. https://smart.com.ph/About/newsroom/full-news/2021/06/10/denr-backs-pldt-and-smart-s-e-waste-disposal-programs.