Your mobile phone has stopped working, or your AirPods aren’t functioning like last year. So, what do most of us do in such situations?
While you can get it repaired at a local shop, you can exchange it for a new device. And if it isn’t fit for exchange or repair, most people dump it in the rubbish bin without thinking about the consequences of their seemingly minor act.
For the unversed, let us tell you that electronic appliances are made of hazardous materials that are dangerous for human health, animals and, of course, the environment. Therefore, we’ve curated this guide to walk you through some of the best ways to handle e-waste at home.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
What Is Electronic Waste?
Electronic waste, or e-waste, refers to electrical appliances that aren’t functioning properly or are unwanted. Only items that feature plugs, power cords or batteries are characterised as e-waste.
Some examples of electronic waste that we find in our homes every day include:
- TV and computer products
- Mobile phones
- Washing machines
- Vacuum cleaners
- Remote controls
- Sewing machines
- Saws
- Electric fans
- Hairdryers
- Coffee machines
- Fluorescent lamps
- Racing car and electric trains toys
Recyclable Components Of Electrical Products
Did you know that electrical items we use in our day-to-day lives are composed of recyclable components? Some of the examples are:
- TV and computer monitor glass screen
- Copper electrical cords and cables
- Steel in microwaves (galvanised and stainless)
The Best Ways To Deal With Electrical Rubbish In Your Home
If your electrical items are nearly dysfunctional, disposing of them is the best way forward. Rather than tossing them in the bin, you must consider appropriate disposal options to prevent damaging the environment.
More often than not, local councils arrange e-waste collections, which makes it easy to dispose of e-waste. Here are some ways to dispose of your e-waste properly.
1. Recycle E-Waste
Most electrical appliances are made of valuable materials, which is why it’s essential to dispose of them properly. If there’s a heap of discarded electrical items at your home, the best way to get rid of them is by sending them to a recycling facility. That’s because most of the electrical items contain recyclable components.
However, if you’re unsure whether to dump electrical devices in the recycling bin or not, you can contact companies that provide recycling services. Moreover, they also offer drop-off points to deposit all the old electronics such as computers, tools and other items.
2. Take Your Electronic Items To A Local Repair Shop
If your televisions, computer equipment or other home appliances isn’t functioning properly, get them repaired. While most people prefer to dump them at the drop-off points of companies offering recycling services, we suggest you repair your gadgets.
Doing so will reduce waste and save hundreds of dollars you would have spent on a new appliance.
3. Consider Donating Your Electrical Rubbish
Your old electronic item may be useless, but someone can benefit from it. So, before you toss them in the bin or a landfill, you can sell or give them for free to less privileged people.
You can also donate electronics and battery-powered items to charitable foundations, churches and schools. This way, the electronic items will be used instead of wasting away, so you can consider donating the old ones while buying new home appliances.
4. Drop-Off Your Electronic Waste At Local Waste Transfer Stations
Ever heard of National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme? If not, then let us tell you that the Australian government collects printers, computers, old televisions, and other items from residents for free. That’s why they have established retail outlets and local waste transfer stations where you can drop off all the e-wastes of your home.
Moreover, no e-wastes can go to the rubbish bin as the Victorian government has banned them from landfills since July 1, 2019, because of their hazardous composition. However, if there aren’t any drop-off points near you or you want to dispose of large appliances, you can do the following things:
- Donate it to underprivileged people, give it to your friends, or sell it to someone.
- Contact the local council to know about other disposal options.
5. Call A Junk Removal Company
Whether you want to get rid of sports equipment (like an electric scooter) or other electronic items (like computer parts), a junk removal company will help you eliminate all the trash from home. Homeowners who don’t have time or energy to dump rubbish at drop-off points can contact a good junk removal company to get the job done without hassle.
Moreover, they are also the best bet to recycle large appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and air-conditioners.
Summing It Up
With that, we’ve finally reached the end of our guide on properly disposing of your e-waste.
Since most of the components in electrical items are recyclable, tossing them in a rubbish bin isn’t wise. Though you can consider disposing of such waste in recycling bins, consider donating them to the needy so they can benefit from it.
However, make sure you do so only when the appliances are in good condition. Meanwhile, if you’re finding disposing of your electrical rubbish too overwhelming, reach out to junk removal companies, and they’ll discard them most efficiently.
On that note, we’ll wrap up for the day. Hopefully, you found it helpful and won’t face any issues while disposing of your e-waste. We’ll see you next time; till then, take care, stay safe, and keep recycling electronic waste!
If you enjoyed this article, you might also enjoy our post on Navigating Commercial Rubbish Removal in Sydney.