Have you ever experienced stick drift on your controller? It's a common issue that can hinder your gaming experience. But what do you do with a broken controller once it's unusable? Most of us toss it in the junk drawer with all the other odds and ends we accumulate over time, like old batteries, consoles, and cables. Others throw their broken controllers away. But did you know that you can't just throw away old electronics? Depending on your state law, throwing electronics away is illegal. When old electronics get thrown away they become E-waste. E-waste also includes old electronics we donate. If the items are not purchased they get thrown away rather than recycled.
"The Global E-waste Monitor 2017 shows that e-waste has grown to 44.7 million metric tonnes annually. But only 20% of the e-waste generated is documented to be collected and recycled. The fate of 76% (34.1 million metric tonnes) is unknown, but likely dumped, traded, or recycled under inferior conditions. Much e-waste also remains in the sheds, attics, and storage rooms of its owners or gets disposed of with the normal household bin (STEP)."
E-waste is not biodegradable, so when improperly disposed of the waste can release toxic chemicals like lead. Chemicals that are released can have a devastating impact on the environment, polluting the water, air, and soil.
It can be tricky to figure out how to dispose of old electronics properly. Especially when we're regularly updating to the newest console or accessory, making our old ones obsolete. The good news is you can help reduce the amount of E-waste by properly disposing of your old gaming equipment. Several gaming manufacturers, such as Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft, have established take-back and recycling programs.
Before recycling, remember to remove all compromising and personal information. You can do this by removing your accounts from the device or factory reseting the device. Doing a factory reset will ensure all of your personal information was removed.
Nintendo offers a free take-back recycling program that utilizes UPS. They will take back Nintendo hardware, software, accessories, and rechargeable batteries. Nintendo will also recycle a competitor's video game console if you purchased a Nintendo console. To participate in the Take Back Program, email takebackprogram@noa.nintendo.com and tell them what you want to recycle. They will get back to you with instructions and a shipping label.
Sony is partners with the ERI for their take back and recycling program in the United States. Sony offers free recycling for unwanted Sony products, which isn’t limited to consoles and controllers. If you want to recycle a Sony product, click the link below. Next, enter the item you want to recycle, and enter your zip code. After doing this a list of recycling locations will be generated for you. If you’re unable to make it to a recycling location the item you want to recycle may be eligible to be picked up or mailed for free. https://eridirect.com/sony/
Microsoft offers an Online Trade-in Program. Microsoft accepts items in working and nonworking conditions for trade-in. They ensure the electronic is rehomed or recycled responsibly. To trade in an item, click on the link below. Next, select Get a trade-in value, select the type of device, the brand, and the model, and then answer the questions about the device. After completing the questions, you will receive a trade-in value.
Microsoft also has a global end-of-life program for devices, batteries, and packaging. If you want to recycle a Microsoft product, click the link below. Next, choose your continent, country, and state/province from the dropdown menus provided. After completing these tasks, recycling programs to select from are included.
Best Buy has Electronics, Appliances, and Fitness Equipment Recycling in store for free. If you want to recycle at Best Buy, click the link below. Pick the type of item you're looking to recycle. After selecting your item, Best Buy provides a catalog of what they do and don't accept.
If you have old gaming consoles and equipment lying around, recycling them can really make a difference. While recycling may seem difficult at times, recycling is good for the environment, and a responsible way to dispose of your old tech. By utilizing the services discussed in this article you're making a difference.
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