Out With The Old: What To Do With Tech. Gadgets When They Become "tech Trash"

It's hard to imagine what life was like before the gadget. Mobile phones, laptops, email, digital cameras, gaming systems, laptops, flat screen televisions, the average consumer can use more devices that help them do more in less time, making their lives easier and more fun. It is expected that consumer electronics will be one of the hottest gifts this holiday season. As people reject the latest gadgets, everyday devices that quickly become obsolete "high-tech trash." According to the Environmental Protection Agency, about 2 million tonnes of "high-tech trash" enter the waste stream in the United States each year. These materials are not suitable for the trash, and many contain hazardous waste and, in some cases, may contain sensitive personal information. The good news is that many of the materials used in such devices can be recycled, refurbished or donated to a good cause. But first, personal data must be protected. Before you recycle or donate an old computer or external hard drive, consumers should take two simple steps to protect your personal information: 1. Save. Use a flash drive or CD-ROM for the capture of data to save on the PC. 2. Clear. Erase data from your hard drive of your computer and holes in it to prevent theft of sensitive personal information. Here are a couple of security, the responsible way for consumers to dispose of high-tech trash: recycling. To help keep your personal devices and other electronic waste in landfills, many companies have begun offering recycling options for consumers. For example, Co., in the last seven years, more than 800 stores in the U.S. electronics retailer Best Buy, Inc. has offered free recycling kiosks for cell phones, rechargeable batteries and ink cartridges. The company also provides customers with ray-away programs for old TVs and appliances when new purchases are delivered. Donate. Consumers can donate obsolete technology to various charities. Some nonprofit organizations such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army may accept gifts, consumers should call their local chapters before falling objects. Restructuring. The life of some devices can be extended through upgrades. The addition of a memory card of an old computer, for example, can significantly increase processing speed and data storage capacity. There are a couple of security, in a responsible way for consumers to dispose of high-tech trash.