Top 10 Items You Didn’t Know You Could Recycle
Every day, technology advances to the point where our houses are cluttered with devices we seldom use. While recycling used laptops and phones is common knowledge, many other electronic products are frequently forgotten. We at Sunada Recycling are here to assist you in recycling materials beyond simply the necessities. Here are ten unexpected things that you may recycle to help the environment.
1. Electric brushes for teeth
Bring your old electric toothbrush and charging base to us instead of throwing them in the trash. They include recyclable polymers and priceless metals. Actually, the typical electric toothbrush has 10 grams of recyclable metal and 40 grams of plastic.
2. Old Remote Controls
Remote controls are often forgotten once the device they operate is gone. These little devices contain components that shouldn’t end up in a landfill. In 2019, over 1.5 billion remote controls were estimated to be in use globally, many of which could be recycled.
3. Worn-Out Cables and Chargers
We all have a drawer full of old cables and chargers. Don’t let them gather dust—recycle them. They’re full of copper and other metals that can be repurposed. The EPA estimates that recycling 1 million laptops saves the energy equivalent to the electricity used by over 3,500 U.S. homes in a year.
4. Electronic Photo Equipment
Even if smartphones have replaced film cameras, there is still value in an old digital camera. Recycle it to reclaim metals and prevent it from becoming e-waste. Over 40 million digital cameras are sold annually, many of which end up being discarded after a few years of use.
5. Game Consoles and Controllers
When you upgrade to a new gaming system, don’t discard the old one. Consoles and controllers can be recycled to recover plastics, metals, and electronic parts. Each year, about 30 million game consoles are sold, creating a significant amount of potential e-waste.
6. Tablets and e-readers
Older e-readers and tablets become outdated when new models are released on the market. These devices are packed with recyclable materials. Bring them in and help reduce e-waste. It’s estimated that 50 million tons of e-waste is generated globally each year, with e-readers and tablets contributing to this figure.
7. Modems and Routers
Internet technology is always improving, leading to a pile-up of old modems and routers. Instead of trashing them, recycle these devices to reclaim their electronic components. In 2020, approximately 20 million modems and routers were replaced in the U.S. alone.
8. Outdated Scanners and Printers
Your old printer or scanner still contains a lot of recyclable materials, even if it isn't functional. Bring it to us, and we'll see to it that it is disposed of properly. The global printer market sees about 100 million units shipped annually, many of which eventually become e-waste.
9. Fitness Trackers and Smartwatches
New models of fitness trackers and smartwatches come out all the time, making older versions obsolete. These small gadgets are recyclable, too, and shouldn’t end up in a landfill. It’s estimated that 200 million wearable devices will be discarded annually by 2025.
10. Shavers with electricity
Reusable metals and polymers are found in electric shavers. Instead of throwing them away, recycle them with us to help save the environment. Almost 1 billion electric shavers are in use worldwide, and a large number of them can be recycled when their useful lives are up.
Why Should These Items Be Recycled?
Electronics recycling is more crucial than ever. This is the reason why:
. Protect the Environment: Proper recycling prevents hazardous materials from polluting our soil and water. Electronic waste can contain toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
. Conserve Resources: Recycling recovers valuable materials, reducing the need for new raw materials. For example, recycling 1 million cell phones can recover 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, and 75 pounds of gold.
. Save Energy: It takes less energy to recycle materials than to produce new ones. The energy saved from recycling one glass bottle can power a 100-watt light bulb for four hours.
. Support the Economy: Recycling creates jobs and supports the economy by providing materials for new products. The recycling industry supports over 757,000 jobs and generates $36.6 billion in wages annually in the U.S.
How to Recycle Your Electronics
At Sunada Recycling, we make recycling your electronics easy. Here’s what you need to do:
Gather Your E-Waste: Collect all your old and unused electronics.
Visit Our Facility: Bring your e-waste to our recycling center in Paramount, CA.
Drop Off Your Items: We’ll handle the rest, ensuring your electronics are recycled responsibly.
Conclusion
Recycling lesser-known electronic items can make a significant difference. At Sunada Recycling, we’re dedicated to helping you recycle more and waste less. Visit our facility or contact us for more information on how you can recycle your e-waste responsibly. Together, we can create a greener future.
Sunada Recycling - Your Trusted Partner for Electronic Waste Collection and Recycling in Los Angeles, CA
At Sunada Recycling, we understand the unique needs of our customers, offering customized solutions to manage their electronic waste. We offer convenient and free e-waste drop-off at our location in Paramount, CA, and a hassle-free pick-up for larger amounts in all Los Angeles and Orange County areas.
Let us help your business with its recycling needs! Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can handle your data center equipment recycling needs.