Now that you’ve accumulated more iPods, cell phones, and computer peripherals than you can shake a USB stick at, it’s probably time to consider offloading these extra gadgets before your home office turns into Radio Shack. However, before you start chucking all your obsolete and outdated electronics into the trash, remember that these items may contain some nasty materials like lead, mercury, and hexavalent chromium. Plus, there are many organizations and companies that can responsibly put these items to good use, so be mindful of the way you get rid of your electronics when decluttering…

If It Works And It’s Worth Something…

If your peripherals and gadgets still work and they’re worth something, then sell them on eBay or Craigslist. Of course, this option may take some time and effort if you’re looking to get top dollar for your items, but what bootstrapped entrepreneur wouldn’t want some extra cash? Another option is to see what you can get for your items at the following services:

• BuyMyTronics
• gazelle
• SecondRotation
• trade2save (coming soon)
• Circuit City’s EZ Tradein
• Best Buy’s Trade-in Center

If It Works But No One Wants It…

In this case, donate your computer peripherals and gadgets to an organization in need. Take for example the Cristina Foundation which matches donated computers and computer peripherals to charities, schools, and public agencies in all 50 states. StRUT is another worthy organization that uses donated computers and peripherals to teach students how to repair and refurbish computers for use in schools. There are currently StRUT organizations in Silicon Valley, Oregon, and Arizona.

If you’re still feeling charitable but can’t find an organization that wants your stuff, then give Freecycle.org a try. If you’re unfamiliar with Freecycle.org, it’s a nonprofit grassroots movement of individuals who are giving and getting stuff for free.

If It Doesn’t Work And No One Wants It…

If you’re a handyman or handywoman, then you can try fixing your gadgets by utilizing sites like FixYa and Partstore.com. If fixing your stuff isn’t feasible, then give Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot, or GreenDisk a shot…

• Best Buy has a free recycling kiosk at the front of every store that takes ink cartridges, rechargeable batteries, cell phones, CDs, DVDs, and PDA/smart phones. They are also working on a free electronics recycling program which is currently being tested in 117 U.S. stores – click here to see the list.
• Staples has an eco easy program that will take your bulky electronics for a $10 fee, which includes smaller computer peripherals at no extra charge. Staples also takes cell phones, PDAs, and rechargeable batteries for free while giving you a $3 discount on ink if you recycle any HP, Dell, or Lexmark print cartridge.
• Office Depot offers Tech Recycling Boxes that range from $5 to $15. All you do is buy a box and fill it with as many acceptable items that will fit.
• GreenDisk responsibly recycles a wide variety of “technotrash” and arranges to have it picked up via FedEx or the US Postal Service. The cost of the service depends on the weight and type of items you’re recycling.

If All Else Fails…

The EPA’s eCycling website is chock-full of recycling links and resources including take back programs from AT&T, Dell, HP, LG, Motorola, Palm, Samsung, Sony, T-Mobile, Toshiba, and Verizon. Another option is to contact your city’s information hotline and inquire about any e-waste and hazardous materials disposal programs they may have.

Just remember that Mother Earth will jump on your face and tattoo your chromosomes if you decide to dump your toxic junk in a landfill, so do the right thing and find an organization or service that will dispose of your electronics and gadgets responsibly.

In Conclusion

This post concludes the Declutter Your Home Office series and I hope you find all the tips and resources useful. As always, feel free to share any tips you may have on ridding your office of electronic clutter and thanks for reading!

Declutter Your Home Office – Part 1: Desk and Bookcases
Declutter Your Home Office – Part 2: Snail and Junk Mail
Declutter Your Home Office – Part 3: Paper Clutter

Sincerely,
The Closet Entrepreneur

» This entry was filed under Advice and tagged with: Advice, organizing