Not every electronic has to be ‘creatively managed’. Sometimes you can just sell it or give it away.
Sometimes in the process of moving, as we empty closets and pack our belongings, or hire a packing crew to help, people will find they own a lot of outdated old electronics. From old phones to tv’s to tower computers, most of us have more than what we use or need. Packing and moving old, outdated or unused electronics doesn’t make sense. But, to protect our fragile planet, the dump isn’t the right place for old electronics.
Here in the Valley, we have many options for recycling electronics. Unfortunately, a lot of people mistakenly put electronic items in their recycle bin or even in the trash. People want to be green, but sometimes they don’t know how. So, we’re going to give you some options.
Security first
But, before we do that, we need to address your electronic security, because you don’t want that old computer slipping from your possession until the memory has been erased. So if you have an old machine, you can go to this website to wipe the hard drive clean.
Once you erase the hard drive, here are a few options for recycling. Each of these entities has their own rules of what they will accept. The best way to find out what they will and won’t take (and when) is to contact them directly.
Boy Scouts
The Boy Scouts of Troop 446 have an ongoing recycling program in Scottsdale. On the third Sunday of every month from 5:30 am to 10:30 am, they host an ‘Electronicfest’ at the Scottsdale Pavillions (next to Conn’s). You can load up your old laptops, Gameboy’s and other electronics, and either pay them a few dollars for a space or table (first come, first served) and be a vendor at the event, OR, as long as it isn’t one of the old CRT computer monitors or rear projection television sets, you can donate it to them. (Please wipe your hard drive first.) Go to their website or call Keith Woods at 602-606-7047.
More solutions
Desert Computer Solutions will accept most old electronics, and also has a pickup service. They will destroy the data on your old machines for you. 1605 W. University Dr. Ste. 110 Tempe, AZ 85281 (602)295-5918
Phoenix Electronics and Computer Recycling at 1526 E Washington St.will accept your old electronics, even the CRT monitors and TV’s for a small fee.
AzStrut or Arizona Students Recycling Used Technology is a nonprofit organization which collects through all ten Batteries Plus Bulbs locations. If you have more than will fit in the trunk of a car, they have collection sites in Mesa and the West Valley. They refurbish what they can and give them to Valley schools and non-profits. What they can’t use goes to Westech Recyclers.
We have an excellent resource in the form of an electronics recycling business right near downtown Phoenix. Westech Recyclers handles many recyclable electronic items.
The good news is that there are ongoing community collections throughout the Valley,
For other recycling options and options outside the Phoenix area, click here for options
We hope that this information will help your moving experience to be a happy and successful one. As always, if you need help, we offer Valleywide packing and moving services.
Aardvark Movers Inc., a Phoenix Arizona moving company, has the most experienced movers for all your residential, office or apartment relocation needs, serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Cave Creek, Carefree, Surprise, Sun City, Paradise Valley, Apache Junction, Maricopa County and all of Arizona. 602-716-5555.
