We’ve all been there–that moment when your once beloved gadget stops working, and you’re left wondering, “What do I do with this now?” The drawer of forgotten tech relics is full, and it’s time to face the music and get rid of some of those electronics. But just tossing them in the trash is not the way to go.

Here’s everything you need to know to give your old electronics a proper sendoff—or possibly a second life!

Don’t Trash It; Recycle It

Before you hurl that ancient phone or dinosaur of a laptop into the trash, stop! Electronics should never end up in landfills. They contain hazardous materials that can harm the environment. Plus, recycling them means valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper can be reused.

Find a Local Recycling Center

The first step is to locate an electronics recycling center near you. Many cities have specific drop-off points for e-waste. A quick Google search or a visit to your city’s website can point you in the right direction. Look for phrases like “electronics recycling” or “e-waste disposal.”

Check Out Retailer Take-Back Programs

Big retailers like Best Buy, Staples, and even Apple offer recycling programs. You can often drop off your old devices at their stores, and some even offer incentives, like gift cards, for recycling your gadgets. Who doesn’t love a little reward for doing something good?

Donate Your Working Electronics

If your device is still functional, consider donating it. Many schools, non-profits, and community organizations can benefit from your still-working tech. It’s a great way to give back and give your device a second life.

Organizations like Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and other local charities often accept working electronics. Be sure to give them a call first to confirm they can use your device.

Look For Specific Tech Donation Programs

There are programs specifically designed to refurbish and redistribute electronics to those in need. Check out groups like Cell Phones for Soldiers, which provides free communication services to active-duty military members and veterans.

Erase Your Data Like a Pro

Before donating or recycling your device, ensure all your personal data is wiped clean. The last thing you want is someone discovering your old college essays or those cringy selfies from 2010.

Back-Up Your Data

First, make sure you have all your important data backed up. Use cloud services or an external hard drive to save anything you might need in the future.

Factory Reset Your Device

For most gadgets, a factory reset will wipe your personal information. Just check the settings menu, find the reset option, and follow the instructions. Consider using data destruction software to ensure everything is thoroughly erased for computers.

Get Creative With Repurposing

If you’re feeling crafty, you can repurpose your old electronics. This keeps them out of landfills and gives you a fun project to work on.

Turn Your Old Phone Into a Security Camera

Apps like Alfred can transform your outdated smartphone into a nifty home security camera. It’s a simple and practical way to give your old tech a new job.

Create DIY Art

Broken electronics can be a goldmine for unique art projects. Use circuit boards, wires, and other components to create cool, tech-themed art. It’s a great conversation starter and adds quirky character to your décor.

Join a Tech Recycling Event

Many communities host tech recycling events where you can drop off all your old gadgets in one go. These events are often held on specific days, making it convenient to responsibly clear your tech clutter.

Keep an eye on local community boards, whether online or at your local library or community center. These often advertise upcoming recycling events in your area.

Schools, workplaces, and environmental groups often organize e-waste drives. Participating in one of these can make disposing of your electronics easy and social.

Avoid Future E-Waste with Mindful Purchases

The best way to deal with e-waste is to prevent it in the first place. By making mindful decisions when purchasing new electronics you can minimize your environmental impact.

Choose Durable and Repairable Gadgets

Look for devices known for their durability and ease of repair. Brands that offer extended warranties and easy-to-find replacement parts are a good bet.

Upgrade Instead of Replacing

Sometimes, a simple upgrade can extend the life of your device. Adding more memory or a new battery can give an old laptop or smartphone a new lease on life.