E-cycling is just like it sounds; electronic recycling. That said, the term covers a broad area of recyclables, from cell phones to computers to televisions and more. If it’s an electronic, it’s cool to recycle it when its lifespan is over.

Following are some tips for how to e-cycle properly.

Before you recycle:

• Decide if you really need to upgrade. Are you just bored with the cell you have? Maybe you can hold onto the item a little longer.
• Can you fix your current electronic item if it’s broken?
• If you really want a new something, and your old one is fine, donate your item to a non-profit or school.

Where to find information on e-cycling:

The best guide I’ve seen in ages is the Electronics Recycling Superguide. This guide is highly comprehensive. It covers all sorts of topics like how to green audit your existing electronics, how to extend the life of your electronics, and best of all an A-Z guide for electronic manufacturers and their recycling or trade in programs. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this guide; much more is included. Get it free here.

Visit the National Electronics Recycling Infrastructure Clearinghouse for a summary of current e-cycling laws. Laws regarding recycling electronics do vary from state to state.

The EPA recognizes Plug-In To eCycling partners for their electronic recycling efforts – i.e. they’ve already committed to collecting, reusing, or recycling old electronics.

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