75% of adults don't know how to recycle electronics — here are the 3 best ways to responsibly dispose of tech

hands holding various devices
(Image credit: Shutterstock/Zubada)

It seems that the e-waste issue is more widespread and harmful than we thought — even bigger than Windows 10's end of service — as several reports showcase the issue on a greater scope.

A new study from CNET found that a staggering 75% of adults either don't have a plan in place for disposing of old devices or only have a vague but not definite one. 

This supports a new report from the UN that states e-waste is on the rise, with devices being thrown away at five times the rate of being recycled. As a result, manufacturers have been pressured into making products that last longer and are more accessible in terms of repairs (often known as Right-to-Repair), as well as building devices using recycled material.

However, once your device is completely inoperable, it needs to be properly disposed of. While there are several ways of doing so, only a few can be counted as the best options that will have the least amount of environmental impact.

Sell or trade-in your used devices

man standing in front of several laptops

(Image credit: Shutterstock/bodnar.photo)

Most phone carriers and manufacturers offer promotions that let you sell or trade-in older phones for money or credit towards a new device. Not only is this an excellent way to dispose of unwanted tech, but said tech will then either be repaired and sold as refurbished or recycled by said company. 

It also has the benefit of said device being disposed of properly, and not contributing to toxic runoff which continues to be a widespread e-waste issue.

Use a recycling service

Recycle

(Image credit: ready made / Pexels)

Both in-house and third-party recycling services will take your old devices off your hands, either through drop-off or pick-up services. Some of them even offer bulk services if you have a large amount that needs recycling.

Not only is recycling much better for the environment, but those parts can be used to create new things whether it's technology or a different item altogether.

A typewriter and a sheet of paper for donations..

(Image credit: Pixabay)

While you may no longer have a use for your old tech, someone out there just might, which is why donating either to those you know or to charities is also a solid option. 

Plenty of people can't afford the tech they need to function in the modern world, and donating to them greatly extends the lifespan of a device, especially when you repair the item beforehand.

You may also like...

Allisa James
Computing Staff Writer

Named by the CTA as a CES 2023 Media Trailblazer, Allisa is a Computing Staff Writer who covers breaking news and rumors in the computing industry, as well as reviews, hands-on previews, featured articles, and the latest deals and trends. In her spare time you can find her chatting it up on her two podcasts, Megaten Marathon and Combo Chain, as well as playing any JRPGs she can get her hands on.

Read more
Windows 10
The six-step countdown to Windows 10 end of life
A woman sitting on a couch cross-legged and using a laptop
These are the best tech investments you can make in 2025 that should last for years
Apple Watch Series 10 experience
How can we make wearables more sustainable, and is it even possible?
Cyber-security
Why Windows End of Life deadlines require a change of mindset
Parcels stamped with a shopping cart logo in a trolley on a laptop keyboard
Selling your laptop or PC? Do this first
An ecoATM kiosk in a shopping mall
ecoATM promo codes for March 2025
Latest in Tech
Josie and Matt laughing in front of the Google Pixel 9a
TechRadar Podcast: Is the Pixel 9a ugly? Has Apple ruined the smartwatch market? And is Samsung's One UI in trouble?
A Lego Pikachu tail next to a Pebble OS watch and a screenshot of Assassin's Creed Shadow
ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from LG's excellent new OLED TV to our Assassin's Creed Shadow review
A triptych image of the Meridian Ellipse, LG C5 and Xiaomi 15.
5 amazing tech reviews of the week: LG's latest OLED TV is the best you can buy and Xiaomi's seriously powerful new phone
Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones in Black and Gold on yellow background with big savings text
The best Beats headphones you can buy drop to $169.99 at Best Buy's Tech Fest sale
Ray-Ban smart glasses with the Cpperni logo, an LED array, and a MacBook Air with M4 next to ecah other.
ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from Twitter's massive outage to iRobot's impressive new Roombas
A triptych image featuring the Sennheiser HD 505, Apple iPad Air 11-inch (2025), and Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4).
5 unmissable tech reviews of the week: why the MacBook Air (M4) should be your next laptop and the best sounding OLED TV ever
Latest in News
Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con up-close from app store
Nintendo's new app gave us another look at the Switch 2, and there's something different with the Joy-Con
cheap Nintendo Switch game deals sales
Nintendo didn't anticipate that Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was 'going to be the juggernaut' for the Nintendo Switch when it was ported to the console, according to former employees
Three angles of the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M4 laptop above a desk
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) review roundup – should you buy Apple's new lightweight laptop?
Witchbrook
Witchbrook, the life-sim I've been waiting years for, finally has a release window and it's sooner than you think
Amazon Echo Smart Speaker
Amazon is experimenting with renaming Echo speakers to Alexa speakers, and it's about time
Shigeru Miyamoto presents Nintendo Today app
Nintendo Today smartphone app is out now on iOS and Android devices – and here's what it does