Mommy Goes Green

Christmas is the time of year when everyone gets new electronics so make sure when you get one, you get rid of your old old devices – responsibly.

There are hundreds of different companies that will take your old electronics and recycle them but these organizations take it a step further by offering you something in return.  There’s nothing to lose.  You get to clear out unused stuff in your house and the electronics are recycled responsibly.

Gazelle pays you cash and they take just about type of electronic from digital cameras and laptops to camera equipment, projectors and gaming equipment.  Gazelle will send you a box and shipping is prepaid.

Recycling for Charities takes iPods, digital cameras, cell phones and PDAs.   You choose the charity that will benefit from your donation – there are hundreds and you can add your own.

Apple’s iPod recycling program allows you to bring your old iPod into a retail store and get 10% off a new one.

EcoNEW is an easy way to trade-in your used electronics in exchange for store credit or gift cards.  They take laptops, MP3 players, LCD TVs, LCD monitors, desktops, camcorders, gaming systems, PDAs and digital cameras.   Shipping is prepaid.

BestBuy Trade-in will take gently used electronics in the store and others by mail only.  In addition to the normal iPod, computer and cell phone recycling, they also take car and home audio equipment, GPS receivers and multimedia equipment.  In return, they’ll send you a Best Buy gift card or check (for lesser amount). Shipping is prepaid.

HP Trade-in is a great program for schools or businesses, particularly if you need to purchase new HP products.  The online tool will quote you the trade-in value of your products.  Once you purchase new HP products, you will receive cash back checks in the mail for the value of your trade-ins.  Shipping is prepaid.

Tips for Recycling:

1.  To get the reward, most of these companies expect the product to be in working condition.  Even if you have products that aren’t working – they will still accept them, but without a reward.  Bottom line – make sure to recycle any electronic device, in working condition or not.

2.  Check with the manufacturer of your device first – they may offer the best trade-in value.

3.  Make sure to clear off any data from your device before sending it in.  Many companies will delete the data but you’ll only feel good if you do it yourself first.

4.  Get all the accessories you have for the device – often the trade-in value is higher.

BONUS: Many of these companies will also work with your school or organization to set up fundraising opportunities by recycling electronics.  What school or non-profit couldn’t use some free money?

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