What the Tech: How to properly dispose of old electronic devices
BY JAMEY TUCKER, Consumer Tech Reporter
April 22nd is Earth Day, and one of the biggest questions people have is what to do with old electronics. If they’re not worth anything, it’s tempting to toss them in the trash. Don’t.
Electronics contain materials that shouldn’t end up in landfills. But here’s the part most people miss: just because something isn’t worth money anymore doesn’t mean it’s useless. In fact, some of your oldest devices might still be surprisingly helpful. That junk drawer is more valuable than you think.
You’ve got one. I’ve got one. A drawer full of old phones, tablets, charging cables, maybe even a cracked screen or two. Most people look at that pile and see clutter. But if a device still turns on and connects to WiFi, it can still do a lot.
Turn an old phone into something useful again
An old smartphone, even one that’s 7 or 8 years old, can still be a workhorse.
Use it as a dedicated music player. Load it up with your favorite songs or streaming apps and take it to the gym. No calls, no texts, no distractions.
It’s basically an iPod again, just without the click wheel. Make it your bedside assistant If it connects to WiFi, it can become a smart alarm clock.
Set alarms, check the weather, control smart home devices, or play white noise at night. All without tying up your everyday phone.
The remote you’ll never lose
One of the most practical uses is turning an old phone into a TV remote.
Download the app for your streaming device, like Roku or Fire TV, connect it to your WiFi, and you’ve got a backup remote that won’t disappear into the couch. Tablets work even better for this. Especially Amazon Fire tablets paired with Fire TV. Bigger screen, easier scrolling, less frustration.
A simple safety device for kids
Here’s one most people don’t realize. Even old phones without a cell plan can still call 911. That means you can keep one in the house as a basic emergency phone for kids. No apps, no distractions, just something there if they ever need help and they don’t know your phone’s passcode.
Even “broken” devices might still work
This is where it gets interesting. A device might look like it’s done. Cracked screen, bent frame, maybe a repair shop already told you it’s not worth fixing.
But if it still connects to WiFi, it still has a purpose. That old tablet can become a small TV for your desk. Stream shows while you work, follow recipes in the kitchen, or keep a game on in the background. And with tools like Google Gemini, you can even use it hands-free. Set reminders, manage your
calendar, or ask questions just by talking to it. Before you recycle, rethink it
Recycling electronics is always better than throwing them away.
But before you do that, take one more look. That old device might not have any resale value. But it can still make your life a little easier, a little safer, or a little more convenient. And that’s a pretty good way to celebrate Earth Day.
