Recycle Old Gadgets for Money
E-Cycle iPods, Cell Phones, Laptops and Gaming Consoles for Cash
Jan 25, 2008 Jace Shoemaker-Galloway
Electronic gadgets; aren’t they great? Owning the newest and shiniest, top-of-the-line device is a gadget lover’s dream-come-true. That brand new iPod would look so much nicer and hold many more songs than the old one. But what about the old iPod or those other outdated gadgets collecting dust? Chances are, they still work. They simply aren’t as fast or as thin, as shiny and new as the newer versions. Acquiring new gadgets is the easy part; getting rid of the older ones responsibly is more difficult.
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that only 12.5% of all United States electronics are recycled each year. In 1995, the EPA reported that Americans generated approximately 2 million tons of unwanted electronics and more than 80% ended up in U.S. landfills. Many electronic devices contain hazardous or toxic materials, which could potentially leach into water reserves or be released into the air if incinerated.
Several companies are now offering a variety of options for those who want to dispose of, or trade, older gadgets for cash or credit, or personal satisfaction.
Tech Forward
Tech Forward, a privately-held company based in Los Angeles, offers a "Guaranteed Buyback" plan for electronic gadgets. By paying a low, 1-time service fee, the “trade value” of the gadget is “locked in”. This guarantees a cash “buy back” amount for trade-in at a later time. Most new and used laptops and iPods are eligible for buyback plan. Never be stuck with an older, out-dated gadget again.
- Purchase a Guaranteed Buyback for current device
- Term of length for buyback is 2 years.
- Items in “excellent condition” receive an additional 10% bonus
- Guarantees future trade-in values as long as item is in good working condition
- TechForward then resells the item
- If item can not be resold, it is then environmentally recycled
- Cash amount is guaranteed, is not based on resale price
- Service includes free box, packing materials and free shipping
- No obligation to trade in the item
This company is based in Waltham, MA. The company currently accepts cell phones, laptops, gaming consoles, digital cameras, MP3 players, GPS devices, and camcorders.
- Easy, step-by-step pricing guide
- Find specific gadget or item
- Determine current condition
- Shipping is easy and free from anywhere in the US. Call DHL and they will pick the box up.
- Check mailed within 2 weeks of receipt
Buy My Tronics will pay cash for electronics that are new, used or broken.
- Accepts all iPods, iPhones, cell phones, all gaming consoles, laptops, camcorders, PDA's, and more
- Items will be accepted worldwide in any condition
- Fill out the required information online for an instant price quote
- Paid by PayPal or check within 24-48 hours of receipt of item
Cell for Cash
Cell for Cash allows users to send in old, outdated and unused cell phones, for cash. Since 2002, Cell for Cash has recycled over 250.000 cell phones and many are resold. Over 600 cell phone models are eligible.
- To begin, locate specific phone from listing of eligible phones
- Submit personal information
- Send cell phone to company using box and prepaid shipping label
- Sale price determines cash value
- Check is mailed to user
For those electronic devices and gadgets that are not listed above, donations of functional items to schools, churches or charity organizations may be an alternative. Some companies accept their own products for e-cycling, although users may incur shipping fees.
Recycling old and outdated electronics is now possible with the companies listed above. Now, buying the latest and greatest gadget may be more affordable and also helps the environment. Go green and make money at the same time!
Source
Management of Electronic Waste in the United States, Environmental Protection Agency
Frequently Asked Questions, EPA
Making Money
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Cell Phone
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