Written by Melanie Kozlan, Four Green Steps

As technology develops and Apple offers a new version of the iphone every few months, we are faced with the increasing issue of e-waste. E-waste is trash accumulated from old electronics, appliances and gadgets- everything from VHS videos to broken blenders and old cellphones. 70% of metals filling landfills in the U.S.A. consists of e-waste.  How do we combat this growing problem of electronic waste? By e-cycling! Before you think to yourself "Recycling is already complicated enough, I can't recycle certain types of plastics, how can I recycle a computer or computer disk from 1998?", check out our quick and easy solutitons to get you on the road to e-cycling.

-Offer your old e-waste for free/barter or sale on sites like Craigslist and Freecycle.org. Someone's trash is someone else's treasure, especially when that someone else might be an inventor or electrician who can make something new out of something old.

-Upcycle! Get creative and see how you can reuse or repurpose your e-waste, especially as art or home decor. CD coasters? Computer screen picture frame? Check out products in our Green Marketplace created from e-waste, including these earrings made from old CDs.

-You can always check out local e-cycling centers in your area, or if all else fails send your e-waste to us! We'll happily recycle it for you at no cost. Visit our contact page for our address and contact info.

Send us pictures/ ideas of how you've upcycled your e-waste!

Image courtesy of Creative Commons.

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