With the rapid rate of technological change, people aren’t waiting for their electronics to break before throwing them out. Generally, electronics become obsolete before they break. This rapid rate of change means that more e-waste is being thrown out and ending up in landfills. On average, each individual in the United States throws away around 44 pounds of e-waste per year! Electronics often contain lead, cadmium, mercury, and other toxic materials that poison the environment.
E-waste only accounts for about 2% of the waste in landfills, but it also accounts for at least 70% of all harmful waste! When toxic materials mix with soil, water, and air, they present very real dangers to human beings. But it’s not just about safety – it’s about saving money! Keeping e-waste out of landfills is good for your wallet!
Properly recycling e-waste has a spectrum of financial benefits. Some companies provide buyback programs to encourage consumers to keep their old electronics out of landfills. In some cases, you may be able to use donations to get tax deductions. Recycling your old electronics also means that companies can keep down manufacturing costs, providing you with ample savings!
“While the glory days of tax incentives for going green might be over, a lot of benefits still are available if you know where to find them. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, is a comprehensive online resource for information on local, state, and federal and utility-based incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency,” according to the experts at TurboTax.
When it comes to recycling your old electronics, you need to use a reputable company to ensure that everything is done according to law and with integrity. Always keep in mind that many of your old electronics contain sensitive personal data. You need a company that can properly eradicate any of that sensitive information. We provide secure, green, and cost-effective disposal and recycling of smartphones and other electronics in Birmingham and surrounding areas. Call us at 205-549-2120 or visit our Contact Us page.
