Want to make a BIG difference on Earth Day? Try recycling old electronics in Maple Grove.

You may have heard that countries around the world have recently stopped processing exported recycling from America. Now, cities, such as Maple Grove, and municipalities around the country are seeking new markets for their recyclable waste. So, where “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” used to be the motto, the focus must now be on reducing and reusing.

What does this mean for you when it comes to recycling electronic waste (or “e-waste”) such as out-of-date laptops, old cellphones and gaming consoles?

Many people just stash their old electronics in a box in their basements or in a drawer, but there are other options. Sometimes you can even make a profit from your reused or recycled electronics!

* Don’t buy new electronic devices

Did you know that 75 percent of a computer’s energy consumption has already happened before it is ever turned on? Dr. Eric Williams and Ruediger Kuehr studied computers and the environment and found the majority of computer energy is used during production as reported in their book, Computers and the Environment: Understanding and Managing Their Impacts.

According to Williams and Kuehr extending the lifespan of a computer by several years, instead of purchasing new every three to four years, saves between 5 and 20 times more energy than recycling.

In other words – when you purchase a certified, refurbished electronic device, you’re not only saving money, but you’re making a significant environmental impact.

* Trade up, don’t throw out

Never toss an electronic device into the trash, not only is it environmentally irresponsible, it’s illegal in many states and cities. You may also be throwing money straight into the garbage bin as used electronics hold value.

Resellers such as Device Pitstop offer trade-in incentives or even cash-on-the-spot offers to buy your electronics.

Other options include county drop off sites like the Hennepin County’s Brooklyn Center location. But it will cost you and will not include data wipe and/or transfer.

In 2018, Device Pitstop stores bought, refurbished and sold more than 7,000 electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs.

* Repair, don’t replace

In an “instant gratification” culture, it’s tempting to toss an electronic device aside when it malfunctions under the misconception that, “It’s easier and cheaper just to buy a new one.” Often, that is not the case!

The certified technicians at Device Pitstop can repair or replace parts for many devices, such as iPhones, iPads, laptops, computers, Android smartphones, iPods, MP3 players, gaming consoles, and many other devices for a fraction of the cost of a new device. Repair is a much more environmentally-friendly (and cost effective) option. 

If you’re looking for a simple way to make a big impact this Earth Day, clear out your closets, basements, boxes and drawers and bring your unused electronic devices to Device Pitstop – you could walk away with upgraded devices or cash in hand!

About Device Pitstop

Device Pitstop sells the top brands of tech devices like laptops, tablets, cell phones and more. Customers get certified, pre-owned devices at affordable prices. Device Pitstop also pays cash-on-the-spot for used devices and members of the Pit Crew offer repairs and upgrades quickly, for less.