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Disused gadgets need to be given proper goodbye
MOST homes have a drawer, box or storeroom corner filled with e-waste such as old cables, broken phones, unused chargers, speakers, tablets and batteries. They are easy to ignore until the clutter becomes impossible to miss. But old tech should not be treated like normal rubbish.
Electronic waste, or e-waste, can contain lithium-ion batteries, heavy metals and other components that may leak, burn or pollute soil and water if dumped carelessly. At the same time, many devices contain reusable materials that can be recovered through proper recycling.
Disposing old tech properly is not difficult. It just needs a few simple steps before the items leave your home.
Protect your data first
Before handing over any phone, tablet, laptop or computer, back up anything you still need. Save important photos, documents, contacts and messages to cloud storage, an external drive or another device.
After that, remove all SIM cards, SD cards and external storage. Many people remember to reset the phone but forget that a tiny memory card may still contain photos, downloads or personal files.
For phones and tablets, perform a full factory reset through the settings menu. Make sure you are logged out of your Apple, Google, Samsung or other device accounts before resetting, especially if the device has anti-theft protection.
For computers, back up your files, sign out of all accounts and format the drive. For extra security, especially if the machine held work files, financial records or sensitive documents, consider removing the hard drive or solid-state drive before recycling the rest of the device. The drive can be securely wiped, kept or physically destroyed.
Separate what you are throwing away
Do not dump everything into one box without checking what each item is. Separate phones, tablets, laptops, cables, batteries, chargers, speakers, monitors and larger appliances.
Batteries deserve extra care. Swollen batteries, damaged power banks and old lithium-ion cells should not be left in hot places or mixed with household rubbish. If a device looks swollen, leaking or unusually hot, avoid charging it and place it somewhere safe before arranging disposal.
Cables and chargers may look harmless, but they are also part of the e-waste stream. Two boxes full of power cables may not feel like much, but they still contain metal and plastic that can be recovered.
Use proper e-waste centres
The easiest rule is this: Do not throw electronics into a normal rubbish bin. Send them to an e-waste collection point, recycling centre or authorised pickup service.
In the Klang Valley, options include ERTH, which handles electronic recycling and offers pickup services depending on item type and quantity. For those around Cyberjaya, ERTH’s services are often suggested to folks looking to dispose of phones, tablets, speakers and cables.
IPC Shopping Centre in Mutiara Damansara also has a Recycling & Buy-Back Centre at its car park area. It accepts several waste categories, including electronic waste, making it a convenient stop for Petaling Jaya and Damansara residents.
Senheng and SenQ outlets are another option for smaller gadgets, while bulky appliances may require a collection arrangement. Some community recycling groups and charity-linked organisations also collect usable electronics, depending on condition.
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur residents can also look for participating Nadi or Kitar centres, local council recycling points and environment department-listed collection centres. Since operating hours and accepted items may change, check before going.
Sell, repair or donate usable items
Not every old device is waste. If it still turns on and can be used safely, consider selling, trading in, repairing or donating it.
A working phone, tablet or laptop may still help a student, community centre or charity group. Some organisations accept functional devices for educational use, while brands and retailers may offer trade-in value for selected models.
However, do not donate broken items and call it charity. If the device cannot be used without repair, be honest about its condition. Passing faulty electronics to someone else only moves the disposal problem to another person.
Make recycling part of your routine
The hardest part of e-waste disposal is usually not the recycling itself. It is the habit of keeping dead gadgets for years because “maybe one day” they might be useful.
Set aside one day every few months to clear old electronics. Check drawers, cable boxes, cupboards and bags. Back up, reset, separate and send them to the right place.
Old tech should not end its life in a landfill or at the bottom of a drawer. With a little care, it can be cleared from the home without risking personal data, public safety or the environment.
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