If you have an old device you no longer need, one of the best options is to sell it to someone else, whether it’s a friend or a stranger on the internet. The device will continue to get used (rather than taking up space or heading to a landfill), you’ll make a little money, and someone will get access to a device they need.
However, this option is only available if your device is actually working. If you have a laptop with a broken screen or a smartphone that no longer turns on, selling may not be possible.
What should you be doing with your broken devices?
Selling Broken Electronics
You’ll be pleased to know that it is possible to sell your broken electronics for cash if you find the right eWaste recycler. Recycling institutions are eager to acquire old electronics, even if they’re broken or old – that’s because they’re after the precious metals and other base components of your devices. It doesn’t matter if they’re working properly because they’re going to be shredded apart anyway.
The process goes a little like this:
· Initial research and selection. There are many electronics recyclers to choose from. In fact, some electronics manufacturers have buyback programs in place to make recycling easier for consumers. You’ll need to do a little research before you make your final decision. For example, what are the rates offered by these different organizations? How are their recycling processes different?
· Evaluation and offer. When you decide on a recycling company, you’ll take in your devices, at which point a professional will review and analyze them. Depending on the types of devices you have and what condition they’re in, you’ll likely get an offer. It’s your choice whether you want to accept or reject this cash offer.
· Finalization and receipt. If you think the cash offer is fair, you can finalize the deal. You’ll have to sign some paperwork; then, you’ll hand over your device and receive the cash (oftentimes immediately).
That ends your journey as a consumer. You won’t have the device anymore; instead, you’ll have cash in hand. You can go home, but your broken electronics will be going through a new journey:
· Organization and transportation. The recycling facility staff members will collect your devices and combine them with others, organizing and transporting them to the proper place. That may mean taking it to a different recycling facility altogether.
· The breakdown. When the devices are ready, the recycling process will actually begin. Depending on the device, the devices may be partially manually disassembled, or they may be immediately shredding. In any case, they’ll be reduced to tiny pieces representing their raw materials.
· Sorting and redistribution. All those tiny pieces will be sorted into piles based on the elements they contain. From there, the elements can be further refined and prepared for use in future manufacturing efforts. Depending on the capabilities of the recycling facility, some of these materials may undergo further processing immediately; but most of them will be sold to other recyclers or manufacturers.
Other Options
Is selling your broken electronics the only option?
Not exactly. There are some other steps you can take as well, such as:
· Attempt a fix yourself. If the problem seems small, or if it’s something that many owners of this type of device have experienced in the past, you may be able to attempt a fix yourself. For example, you might be able to replace a single faulty part to restore your device to full working order – or you may be able to make corrections with just a few physical adjustments. If you can’t solve the problem yourself, you’ll need to escalate the situation.
· Take it to a professional repairman. It might be hard to find a licensed repairman for your device, but in many cases, you’ll be able to find a professional who can help you out. For a couple hundred bucks or less, you can get your device up and running again. That may or may not be worth it.
· Find a new use. If you’re feeling creative, you might find a new use for your device. For example, you can turn your old computer into a multimedia center, or you can turn your broken phone into a work of art.
No matter what, if you have broken or unusable electronics, the least responsible thing you can do is throw them away. Sending your old electronic devices to a landfill will take up space, result in pollution, and can damage the environment for decades to come. Whether you find a new use for your devices, get them fixed, or take them in to a recycler to sell them for cash, it’s important to avoid improper disposal.
