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What's the best way do dispose of old electronic devices?

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December 08, 2020, 10:20 AM
Jim Shugart
What's the best way do dispose of old electronic devices?
I'm cleaning out and have a bunch of old computers, printers, sound bars, a CRT monitor, etc. Some of this works, some doesn't. Does the hive know of anyone who would like to take this shit for recycling?



When a thing is funny, search it carefully for a hidden truth. - George Bernard Shaw
December 08, 2020, 10:22 AM
stoic-one
Best buy?

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/s...d=pcmcat149900050025


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December 08, 2020, 10:24 AM
steve495
Check with your town, city or municipality. Our town has a conex box where we can drop off that kind of stuff for free. For us, it's through the Public Works Department.


Steve


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December 08, 2020, 10:26 AM
Georgeair
What's the need for recycling things without batteries or mercury? IOW, sound bases, printers, etc.? Or is this for the reclamation of materials rather than disposal risks?



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December 08, 2020, 10:40 AM
stoic-one
quote:
Originally posted by Georgeair:
What's the need for recycling things without batteries or mercury? IOW, sound bases, printers, etc.? Or is this for the reclamation of materials rather than disposal risks?
I've been working on a UK built machine that makes exterior grade 4' x 8' sheets out of ground up electronics, a type of eco sheet.


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I lost all my weapons in a boating, umm, accident.
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December 08, 2020, 10:47 AM
Skull Leader
@Georgeair

They can grind up the PCBs and recover precious metals from them. Done on a large enough scale I can see it being profitable especially if they aren't having to buy the e-waste.
December 08, 2020, 10:52 AM
SPWAMike0317
If your local municipality has a contract with a waste hauler, check with them. The township I reside in has a contract with Waste Management, they have a pretty good program wherein you place all the stuff in your driveway and they come and haul it away. Not sure if there is a cost.

Locally there are electronic and hazardous waste drives. In addition to the cost per item, there is usually a long line. So the pick up at home is attractive.



Let me help you out. Which way did you come in?
December 08, 2020, 11:01 AM
83v45magna
quote:
Originally posted by steve495:
Check with your town, city or municipality. Our town has a conex box where we can drop off that kind of stuff for free. For us, it's through the Public Works Department.


My city actually has a recycling center. The drop off days and hours are limited but it is still a very nice option and is relatively convenient.
I have used it regularly for the last few of years to dispose of used engine oil & filters, transmission fluids & filters, power steering and coolants.
I just recently did this very thing with a bunch of old inkjet printers, an old HP printer/scanner/copier and a black and white laser printer. Every one a major PIA regarding cartridges or toner.



I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. -Ecclesiastes 9:11

...But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by Him shall glory, but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped. - Psalm 63:11 [excerpted]
December 08, 2020, 11:08 AM
Voshterkoff
Depending on what you have, people might be willing to pay for it. At the least try to find an independent pc recycle location to drop it off at.
December 08, 2020, 11:26 AM
markand
Working electronics might be donated to Goodwill, Salvation Army or Unique (in Fairfax, VA). Tube (CRT) based monitors are pretty much junk. Prince William County, VA has an electronics recycling program, details here: Link

They will take junk CRT monitors and TVs. Not sure about other counties or where you live specifically, but you do list Virginia as your location.

A local church (McLean Bible Church) used to have an electronics recycling program, but I can't find any information on it on their website. They would send working computers and laptops to missionaries around the world, as I recall. These would mostly be used for email, word processing and spreadsheets and even a very old computer will do this just fine.
December 08, 2020, 11:59 AM
comet24
My county has a transfer station that not only takes trash but metal, electronics and almost anything you need to dispose of. Hazardous stuff like some liquids are only taking on certain days.

I would check you local agency that deals with that stuff. Most have websites that explain what can be taken where.


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Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain. Jack Kerouac
December 08, 2020, 12:00 PM
WaterburyBob
Staples takes some devices. Our town has an electronics recycling drop off site.



"If Gun Control worked, Chicago would look like Mayberry, not Thunderdome" - Cam Edwards
December 08, 2020, 01:02 PM
MikeinNC
Take the CPU out and literally smash it with a hammer or drill holes thru the platters....in several places..then recycle them. I can guarantee your credit card or personal info is on the computer somewhere.



"Violence, naked force, has settled more issues in history than has any other factor.” Robert A. Heinlein

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December 08, 2020, 01:32 PM
rsbolo
Tannerite?

(I am kidding.)

Most municipalities have a disposal site or program.


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December 08, 2020, 02:10 PM
Rey HRH
quote:
Originally posted by steve495:
Check with your town, city or municipality. Our town has a conex box where we can drop off that kind of stuff for free. For us, it's through the Public Works Department.


Yep, electronics, medicine, chemicals, oil. They make it much easier now. I stopped doing my own oil change when I couldn't just pour the oil down the garage drain.



"It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life – daily and hourly. Our answer must consist not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual." Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning, 1946.
December 08, 2020, 02:18 PM
flashguy
Most folks here just put them on the curb and they disappear very quickly.

flashguy




Texan by choice, not accident of birth
December 08, 2020, 02:21 PM
PHPaul
Even if your town doesn't have a regular drop point for electronics, they may have an annual (or more frequent) drive for electronic waste.

Even our backwards little burg has one.




Be careful when following the masses. Sometimes the M is silent.
December 08, 2020, 03:18 PM
fiasconva
Best Buy may not be a good option. They now charge $50.00 to "recycle" your monitor for you. I don't know about the other items.



"Even if the world were perfect it wouldn't be." ... Yogi Berra
December 08, 2020, 05:51 PM
LS1 GTO
quote:
Originally posted by MikeinNC:
Take the CPU out and literally smash it with a hammer or drill holes thru the platters....in several places..then recycle them. I can guarantee your credit card or personal info is on the computer somewhere.


I think you mean the hard drive, not the processor.






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December 08, 2020, 06:16 PM
SSgt USMC/Vet
quote:
Originally posted by LS1 GTO:
quote:
Originally posted by MikeinNC:
Take the CPU out and literally smash it with a hammer or drill holes thru the platters....in several places..then recycle them. I can guarantee your credit card or personal info is on the computer somewhere.


I think you mean the hard drive, not the processor.


I shot a few rounds thru my old hard drive and then it fell of my boat in about 75 foot of water. Dam it slipped out of my hand.