Your Guide for Small Appliances and Laptop Recycling

A laptop with an open screen showing an image that says save the world and is positioned next to a green plant to illustrate how laptop recycling can help the environment stay green.

When it comes to small appliances and laptop recycling, a single item can make a huge difference.

How’s that?

According to the EPA, recycling a million laptops saves enough power for 3,500 homes for a whole year.

On top of that, the inside parts of your computer and home appliances (such as microwaves) include precious metals such as silver, gold, and platinum. These metals can be extracted and reused.

Steel is made up of 75% of the average home appliance. These appliances account for 10% of all the steel recycled in the U.S. every year.

The simplest and most effective way of ensuring you dispose of your laptop properly is by visiting a tech waste recycling center.

For electronics recycling in Santa Clara and the Silicon Valley, you can visit Green EWaste Recycling Drop-Off Center for free drop-off services. If you live outside of the Silicon Valley, check out this handy recycling center finder here.

Before you recycle your computer or small appliances, you should follow a few preparation steps.

Preparation for Laptop Recycling

Before you visit your nearest recycling center, it’s recommended you follow these three simple steps for a smooth transition and recycle process.

  1. Erase all your data before you recycle the computer in order to prevent identity theft. It’s also recommended to back-up any files or important documents on an external hard drive.
  2. Unplug your computer from all external computer accessories such as speakers or keyboards. You can recycle these parts at the same company where you go for your laptop recycling, however, you should consider donating or reusing them.
  3. Flip over your laptop and see if the battery is removable. Many laptops carry lithium-ion batters which need a special type of recycling transportation system.

Recycling Preparation for Small Appliances

While small appliances such as toasted and blenders are made to last for years, at some point, you’ll be looking for an upgrade – especially at the rate technology is advancing these days.

Thankfully, these appliances are made up of metal such as steel which are easy materials to recycle.

Not only that, but these types of metals are very harmful in landfills – so they’re a specific item you’ll want to make sure ends up in the right hands.

By following these steps before heading to a local tech waste recycling center, you’ll be able to responsibly dispose of your small appliances smoothly.

  1. Unplug the appliance and let it sit for a few days before recycling it. This allows it to cool down.
  2. If the appliance still works, consider donating it to a thrift store.
  3. Remove any parts that aren’t metal such as glass or plastic bender jars and bring them to a thrift store.

Small Appliances and Laptop Recycling: Final Thoughts

While recycling seems like a hassle, it can be as easy as disposing of garbage, as long as you follow the steps and incorporate the process smoothly into your daily routine. More importantly, as waste begins to pile up in landfills, causing a myriad of environmental and health issues. It’s becoming more vital to take that extra step towards recycling your belongings.

Green EWaste Recycling Center makes it even easier to feel good about your daily recycling actions. Check out all the electronic waste they accept to get started today!